Real Madrid is just a month into the 2018/19 season but the next two weeks are going to be crucial to their La Liga title chase as well as a breakout in the Champions League.
The Whites return to action today against Roma, and this kicks off more than just the 2018/19 Champions League campaign. Real Madrid is heading into a tough string of games with just two weeks left in the month. From September 19 to September 29 Los Blancos will play a total of four games. As a result, Real will be on the pitch every 3/4 days.
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This makes for a hectic two weeks for Julen Lopetegui and his men. Finding a rotation has been difficult for the manager and that was evident in the teams last La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao. Unfortunately, Real Madrid’s starting XI can’t rack up a high number of minutes early on in the season as it will result in player injuries.
Real Madrid Fixtures
September 19: Real Madrid vs Roma – UCL (H)
September 22: Real Madrid vs Espanyol – La Liga (H)
September 26: Sevilla vs Real Madrid – La Liga (A)
September 29: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid – La Liga (H)
Lopetegui has two options on his table right now. The first would be to risk an unpredictable rotation now in an effort to rest bigger players for the Sevilla and Atletico matches. The second would be to stay with the starting XI and find a rotation once October comes around and competition isn’t as stiff.
Playing every 3-4 days is not something to be taken lightly. Travelling takes away from the time the team could be training, working on tactics or resting. Now, players will have to push themselves to be ready and alert for the matches right around the corner.
Real are sitting comfortably in second place right now, 2 points off leaders Barcelona. Ensuring that they can keep the pace is of utmost importance as success in La Liga hasn’t been something to boast in the current decade.
One thing Los Blancos do not want to fall victim to is hoping Barcelona themselves will drop points in order to slingshot ahead. Being in control of your destiny is key to a long race like the La Liga season. This will be a great time in the season for Lopetegui to grasp a thorough understanding of his team if they wish to make a run for all three titles.
Fortunately, he doesn’t have to look to far. Madrid pulled off a double just two season ago. The key, depth and rotation.