Real Madrid’s 91 days of glory rolls on
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid was helped out by VAR in the first half and needed two goals from CDM Casemiro in the second half to get past Sevilla on Saturday afternoon in the Santiago Bernabéu. Although the result wasn’t pretty, it is worth noting Los Blancos have now gone over three months without suffering a defeat in any competition.
Manager Zinedine Zidane has left media pundits and fans shocked with the stunning job he has done with this Real Madrid team this season.
The French boss has had the difficult chore of juggling a litany of injuries while also integrating young players and new signings. Yet, Real Madrid will finish matchweek 20 in at least second place if FC Barcelona can win by more than a goal tomorrow against Granada.
Currently, Zizou has his men on a 17 match unbeaten streak and the last loss came way back on October 19th on the road against newly promoted Real Mallorca.
What makes this run even more impressive are the opponents Real has faced. The team has traveled to the Mestalla to play a strong Valencia side, they managed to keep a clean sheet in the Camp Nou against Barca, and they won the Supercopa de España winning in Saudi Arabia without the likes of Bale, Hazard, and Karim Benzema.
Hot. Luka Jovic had a ridiculous backheel assist for Casemiro’s first. light
It’s not just the points picked up or the defense keeping clean sheets that deserves all the praise. Zizou should be hailed for helping showcase the ability of midfielder Fede Valverde and has also been crucial in Benzema’s incredible run of form over the last several months.
As we saw during his first stint as Real Madrid manager, Zidane understands the players he has at his disposal and he can get the best from each of them regardless of the opponent or location of the match.
Next. Real Madrid vs. Sevilla player ratings: Thank you, Casemiro. dark
Real Madrid must now turn its focus to the Copa del Rey – the only competition Zidane has not won as manager – and another Madrid Derby on February 2.
Los Blancos’ chances of winning the league are looking better and better as the season progresses, but Barca don’t appear to be slipping up in any way right now. Every match is a must win and with the Champions League knockout stage beginning soon, things could get a little chaotic down the stretch.