Real Madrid’s Success Masks Lingering Issues: A Closer Look

Real Madrid’s position at the joint-top of La Liga, alongside Girona, is an impressive feat, especially with a four-point lead over their rivals, Barcelona, after a triumphant El Clasico win. However, even in times of success, Real Madrid remains under scrutiny, and a closer examination reveals some lingering issues.

Jude Bellingham‘s sensational brace secured a crucial victory in El Clasico, extending his remarkable start to the season. However, it’s essential to recognize that Real Madrid struggled to create clear chances outside of those two goals, and for the first hour of the match, they were outperformed by their opponents.

One area of concern is the left-back position. While Eduardo Camavinga deputized well there, his primary role is in midfield, and with Aurelien Tchouameni nursing an injury, he will likely be needed more in his natural position. Real Madrid currently lacks a convincing option at left-back, with Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia yet to solidify their credentials in that role.

Another concern revolves around the Brazilian duo of Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior. Collectively, they have scored as many goals (5) as Joselu Mato, indicating that they are still adjusting to their roles in the new formation and need to enhance their effectiveness.

David Alaba has also come under scrutiny, as his weak effort played a role in Barcelona’s opening goal during the recent El Clasico. The concerns don’t stop there, as several players, including Rodrygo, Tchouameni, and Alaba, find themselves “under observation.”

Tchouameni’s error in allowing Ilkay Gundogan to breach the defense for Barcelona’s goal raised questions about his consistency and a constant sense of uncertainty rather than major errors. Despite a “spectacular” start to the season, there are worries about his recent performances.

Real Madrid is undoubtedly not operating at full capacity at the moment, and Carlo Ancelotti is well aware of that. On a more optimistic note, the team has ample room for improvement, despite currently leading the league. However, there is no guarantee that such improvement will materialize, and their effectiveness may fluctuate as the season unfolds.

In conclusion, Real Madrid’s success on the surface may mask the underlying issues that require attention and improvement to maintain their position at the top of La Liga and achieve their season’s objectives.