Three Takeaways from Real Madrid’s 1-0 Defeat to Villarreal

Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Villarreal at the Bernabeu to put Zidane on the brink and Real Madrid’s Champions League spot at jeopardy. Here are three takeaways  from the loss.

Real Madrid 2017-2018: The Movie

As soon as the half-time whistle blew, I knew we were going to lose this game and I don’t think I was alone in thinking this. We are now entering mid-January and there is a cycle of how Madrid perform over ninety minutes, especially at the Bernabeu.

The game opens with Los Blancos starting off the better and looking much sharper from their previous result. They press well and look for an opening, the opposition sits deep and defend a barrage of crosses. The half-time whistle blows and Madrid feel hard done by after missing at least 2 clear cut chances.

The second period is quite similar to the first half only with a few key differences. Our opponent is beginning to grow into the game, mainly due to the second difference which is that Real Madrid is leaving gaping holes in the defense.

Our saving grace are Nacho and Varane whose pace paper over these massive holes. Zidane brings on Asensio and Vazquez and the barrage of crosses become heavier, but oddly less effective.

Depending on the whether Madrid is losing or not, Zidane might bring on Mayoral, but, no matter who he brings on it doesn’t appear to affect the outcome cause around the same time Madrid were scoring a late goal last season, they are conceding one this season.