Real Madrid are stumbling into the month of March after two poor performances in La Liga and a 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League. Here are five players who must shine next month, starting with El Clasico.
Heading into La Liga’s Matchday 26, Real Madrid are back to second in the table behind FC Barcelona after faltering against both Celta Vigo and Levante. Los Blancos drew Celta 2-2 before falling 1-0 to Levante on the road, and they weren’t able to bounce back on Wednesday in the Champions League after melting down in the final 15 minutes vs. Manchester City.
On Sunday, Real Madrid will have another massive game at home, and they’ll need to pick up all three points against arch rivals FC Barcelona. It’s a tall order, but Real’s title hopes depend on them getting the most out of this fixture.
Here are five players who need to lead the way for Los Blancos this March with all eyes on the Clasico and the second leg against Man City.
CAM Isco
Real Madrid attacking midfielder Isco has been a standout either as a No. 10 or a wide playmaker lately. Against Levante and City, Isco was the team’s best player, creating a bevy of chances for his teammates and showing a great deal of confidence on the ball. He also scored the opener against City, finishing the chance Vinicius Junior so wonderfully created like a striker.
Isco has become one of Real’s most important players, and he may be fulfilling his potential in Zinedine Zidane‘s second stint at the helm of Los Merengues. March will be a telling month for the Spain international, who could have a tremendous home performance in El Clasico.