Real Madrid defeated Eibar, but a tougher test awaits them in Valencia.
For the first 45 minutes of their return match in La Liga, Real Madrid were unstoppable. They scored three wonderful goals showcasing both great team chemistry and individual quality, looking like they hadn’t missed a single week.
But in the second half, Real showed signs of faltering against Eibar. They finished with a 3-1 victory, but a more professional display will be needed on Thursday against Valencia.
Here are five burning questions for Los Blancos after the win.
1. Can Real Madrid play a complete 90 minutes?
As impressive as Real Madrid were in the first half against Eibar, they looked lethargic offensively and even vulnerable defensively against their less talented opponents. The center back duo of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos was as good as ever, but left back Marcelo faltered with the effects of a potential injury and Ferland Mendy looked uncomfortable on the right side. If Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal cannot play on Thursday, more questions will be asked.
Real’s problem throughout the 2019-2020 season has been consistency – not just from game to game, but even within a single game. Once again, a Real match was a tale of two halves, and, as Zinedine Zidane impressed upon his players, a half like that will not be tolerated against their next two opponents.
Every game is a final to Real Madrid. They know that. But will they play like it? Valencia, hungry for a Champions League place, is an excellent test.