Real Madrid managed to secure three points against a threatening Eibar on Saturday. Below are the three takeaways from the match.
Real Madrid switches off when it’s not the Champions League
It’s become way too obvious – the players don’t seem to care unless they are playing in the Champions League. They were strolling in the opening few minutes and Eibar could have easily nicked in a goal or two on another night. And it looks like it wouldn’t have mattered to Real Madrid either – they would have given a few solemn interviews and then would have put it behind them. After all, it is not the Champions League.
Can someone let the Madrid players know the match has started? They seem to be sleepwalking through the opening minutes of this match. #EibarRealMadrid
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) March 10, 2018
That attitude has set in due to multiple reasons. 1) They are effectively out of La Liga and Copa del Rey and believe that they will make it to top 4 irrespective of how they play. 2) They have had so many upsets this season that a couple more doesn’t seem to concern them. 3) They obviously have a special connection with the Champions League.
The defence should shoulder most of the blame. Ramis was unmarked for his headed goal. In the 20th minute, Casemiro lost the ball and Carvajal was turned twice for another dangerous shot on goal. If it wasn’t for Navas, Real Madrid would have conceded at least two more.
Real Madrid's defense lookin like... pic.twitter.com/qCopVmOr3h
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) March 10, 2018
A special mention for Isco, who’s having an opposite end-of-season form as compared to last year. The floater role does not seem to be working, and he seems to have lost that magical, special touch that he has come to be known for. He was dropped for Asensio against PSG, and it will continue till he restores confidence in his abilities and form.