Real Madrid drew their second straight game this evening, as their game with Villarreal ended 2-2. Despite the best efforts of Gareth Bale and Real largely controlling the game, they were unable to find the win.
Gareth Bale has come up big again this season:
Despite being considered public enemy number one during the summer window, Gareth Bale has been one of Real Madrid’s best players in the opening three games. So far this season, Bale has contributed a total of three goals in three games.
In the game against the yellow submarines, Bale started out on the left but was moving across the frontline consistently. The Welshman was an all action player for Los Blancos, not only did he net two goals but he also played in 6 crosses and made 3 key passes, although, he was sent off late in the game in what can be seen as quite a soft yellow card from the referee on both occasions.
With Bale in solid form, Real could be in safe hands in the coming games. Whilst they’ve been somewhat a little topsy turvy, the Welsh international continues to contribute and provide end product. As Real begin to welcome back the likes of Isco, James Rodriguez and Eden Hazard, Bale will have more outlets to share the burden and create chances with.
Casemiro and Ferland Mendy shine:
Whilst Real have not been defensively at their best this season, two players who were particularly impressive for Zinedine Zidane’s side were Ferland Mendy and Casemiro. The Frenchman and the Brazilian were amongst the top 3 in nearly all the defensive stats for Real in this game.
Mendy completely nullified the threat of Samuel Chukuwueze throughout the wingers time on the pitch. Making numerous challenges and keeping the player under pressure, going forwards, he showed great pace and persistence. He completed the most interceptions with 4, completed the most tackles with 3 and won possession in the final third 4 times.
Casemiro played the complete game in midfield. The Brazilian completed 3 tackles, made 2 interceptions and recovered the ball a whopping 9 times with two of those being in the final third. He also completed 4 dribbles, completed 88% of his passes and played 8 long balls. The result really took away from just how good his performance was in this game.
Defensive issues continue to plague results:
Last week it was the defensive lapse of Dani Carvajal that cost Real Madrid, this week it was Sergio Ramos. Whilst Real would not typically roll out a 4-4-2 formation, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane both had largely ineffective performances.
The captain was completely at fault for the first goal as he got caught out for trying to be flashy with the ball. For the remainder of the game, he consistently rushed up the field with no after-thought. Such reckless abandonment of his position made it hard for Real to keep a solid structure throughout the game.
As the season progresses, issues like this must be ironed out in any way possible. If Real Madrid want to contend for titles, the defence needs to tighten up and play as a unit. For too long they’ve played as a group of individuals doing their thing in individual moments, however, they often appear disjointed and regularly bailing one another out when the other makes a mistake. Whilst sections of the fan-base are quick to point the finger at Zidane, it is worth noting that mistakes like Carvajal’s last week and Ramos’ this week are out of his control, all the Frenchman can do is watch on in frustration as his team has largely played well in the opening games of the season.