Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s 4-1 win vs. Girona
Don’t panic about Real Madrid’s backline
Real Madrid lined up in a 4-2-3-1 on Sunday, with Toni Kroos and Casemiro sitting behind a front four of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Isco, and Gareth Bale. On paper, the job of both Kroos and Casemiro is to screen the back line and help fill the gaps left by Marcelo and Carvajal.
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However, what transpired over the course of the first half was much different and raised early concerns from some fans about Madrid’s defense.
Much of what went wrong in the first half for The Whites was schematic, for instance, it is a well-known fact that Toni Kroos isn’t a defensive midfielder, especially in situations where Los Blancos’ are stretched looking for an equalizing or go-ahead goal.
Marcelo also struggled to deal with Portu and looked clearly fatigued when he was eventually substituted, putting a question mark over whether the Brazilian was fit to start this game.
However, outside of Marcelo and Kroos, Madrid’s backline had a good game. Sergio Ramos had his part to play in the leadup to Girona’s goal (he wasn’t the only one), but outside of that small error, he looked focused.
Nacho was Madrid’s best player in the first 45 and, alongside Dani Carvajal, was the main reason Madrid didn’t find themselves 2-0 down.
Real Madrid played beautifully,we always wanted this playing style but it is more insecure in case of defense.We gave them some good chances to score but we succeeded to stop them. We are in big trouble ag strong teams like Barca,Atleti and especially in CL. Disagree? Just wait.
— CR7 Vibe (@CR7Vibe) August 27, 2018
The backline was rarely tested in the second half, but when they were, Keylor Navas put in another sharp performance, demonstrating why Lopetegui has persisted with him over Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid’s backline has been highlighted as a key area to the team’s title challenge this season and one feels that every goal conceded will lead to sweeping conclusions about the ability of Los Blancos defenders, the system they are set up in or both.
Such panic is irrational especially in the case of Sunday’s game and, as with everything this early in the Lopetegui era, take everything we see on the pitch with a pinch of salt.