Real Madrid defeated Fuenlabrada with two unanswered goals. Here is your quick take reaction to Real Madrid’s victory in the Copa del Rey.
Perhaps the key feature that defined Real Madrid’s supposed “B Team” last season was the energy and pace that they brought to every match they were called upon. Often in contrast to the occasionally lethargic performances of Madrid’s more notable superstars, Zidane’s youngsters were defined by their energy, enthusiasm, and blistering speed.
That’s a stark contrast to what we saw from Zidane’s “B Team” in the first half against Fuenlabrada. Real Madrid seemed to be sleepwalking their way through much of the first half. Oftentimes you could see recognizable patterns of play on the wings, but the delicate touch that usually makes Madrid’s tricky attacking movement work was simply lacking, as a number of passes went directly into the feet of Fuenlabrada’s defenders.
Real Madrid were content to allow Fuenlabrada pass through the midfield and recuperate after the less-than dangerous attacks Fuenlabrada sent forward. Yes, Jesus Vallejo and Marcos Llorente did have some good moments in defense, but it was a bit distressing how often their actions were required.
The last five to ten minutes of the second half, Real Madrid started to come alive. We began seeing some of the more intense pressing and attacking penetration Real Madrid is known for. But it was not enough, and the sides were level at half.
More from The Real Champs
- Manchester City hold talks over Real Madrid target
- Real Madrid player confirms he is playing with a fracture
- Real Madrid superstar rejected Premier League clubs confirmed
- Spaniard ready to join Real Madrid instead of Liverpool
- PSG want €100 million Real Madrid player to replace Kylian Mbappe
There was perhaps more energy from Madrid to start the second half, but still not much quality. Many of the smart patterns of play were there, but the usually high quality touch was simply absent. Theo in particular misplaced three consecutive passes in a row trying tricky one-touch passes and backheels that simply did not work.
Real Madrid needed a bit of luck, and they got it around the 62nd minute mark. Achraf broke through down the right hand side, and Fran Garcia grabbed his shirt right before Achraf entered the box. Ahcraf was tugged down as he fell into the box, and the referee, perhaps generously, ruled that it was a penalty. Marco Asensio slotted the ball away with a hard, low penalty to the keeper’s right hand side.
There was no looking back for Real Madrid after that. Madrid began to take the match by the scruff of its neck and impose their will on Fuenlabrada’s overran players.
Madrid got another look from Lady Luck as they received another penalty after Theo was bearhugged down to the ground in Feunlabrada’s box. There wasn’t much in it, but it was definitely a foul conducted right in front of the referee. Candala was sent off for the offense, his second yellow card, and Lucas Vazquez lined up to take the penalty. Vazquez took a stutter step and tucked the ball into the back of the net just beyond Fuenla’s keeper.
A man down, and Madrid two goals up, things were looking pretty bleak from that point on for Fuenlabrada. After a brave showing throughout much of the first half, Fuenlabrada was eventually overtaken by the quality of Zidane’s B squad.
Neither team ended the match with all eleven men on the pitch. Jesus Vallejo was sent off for a studs up challenge in the 88th minute. It’s true that the red card didn’t have much of an impact on the match, but there was still absolutely no reason for Vallejo to have gone in like that.
Zidane will be happy with the result, but he will want to work with this group of players on their intensity, something Zidane works with his teams on closely.
Next: Carvajal and Bale working on rehab to return to action soon