Real Madrid: A fresh Vinicius Junior and 3 key advantages over Granada

Real Madrid have three distinct advantages over their opponents on Monday night at Los Carmenes.

Granada beckons Real Madrid on Monday night, and while Los Blancos will have full confidence heading into this next game, they won’t take any match for granted. Real have lost to the likes of Real Betis and RCD Mallorca in 2019-2020, so a road game against the ninth-placed team in La Liga – a team three points away from Europa League football and a LOT to play for – won’t be one Zinedine Zidane takes lightly.

That said, Real Madrid have the stronger squad and three key advantages that should be able to carry the day at Los Carmenes.

High-energy midfield

Luka Modric has quietly been one of the stars of the show for Real Madrid in the last two games, and Casemiro has been as good as ever. They have recovered balls, made tackles, and helped keep the back four covered, playing especially important roles in the taxing 1-0 victory in the heat at San Mames.

Granada won’t be any easier, and they are now one spot ahead of Bilbao in the league table. Yangel Herrera, per WhoScored.com, has 2.9 tackles per game and 1.2 interceptions per game and is one of the best defensive midfielders in La Liga. But Casemiro IS the best defensive midfielder, not just in La Liga but in all of Europe.

And throw in Fede Valverde, who could also start if Modric needs some rest. He brings even more energy to the table than Modric, even if he lacks what the veteran has in consistency and dribbling skills. Taken all together, Real Madrid have three men who can dominate the midfield battle in ways that prevent Granada from having any physical advantage.