Real Madrid: 3 reasons why the attack has been struggling this Fall

Injuries to Eden Hazard and Martin Odegaard

The biggest reason for Real Madrid’s struggles in the attack is their lack of finishing, which is sort of the 1a to the 1b of their reliance on Karim Benzema for goals. But another huge reason for Real’s struggles is the importance of a superstar player who has become an injury risk since that ankle injury against PSG last season.

It’s no surprise that when Eden Hazard was in the lineup this season, Real Madrid looked a million times better in the attack. He turned around the game in his season debut as a sub against Borussia Monchengladbach, playing a role in Real turning the tide from down 2-0 to rescuing a vital Champions League point.

Then in his second start, Hazard scored a wonderful opener vs. Huesca. It’s also no coincidence that his return from injury led to Benzema’s first brace of the season. And finally, he created the corner single-handedly that led to Sergio Ramos’ 2-0 goal in an eventual 3-2 Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

And then when Hazard was out again at Valencia due to COVID-19, Real Madrid were embarrassed 4-1.

He’s the biggest injury for Real, because his presence in the lineup can turn Real into the top European team the need to be. Hazard seriously makes that much of a difference.

But secondarily, Martin Odegaard’s injury has also quietly been a tough one for Real Madrid’s attack. Odegaard was called up by Zinedine Zidane to play a key role in 2020-2021 for the team instead of spending another year at Real Sociedad. He looked good in the opener against his old team but has been unable to follow up on that due to an injury, which occurred just as he was playing world-class football again during the international break.

Odegaard is one of La Liga’s best passers and most creative players. He is a legitimate top talent at the attacking midfield position, and you can only imagine the quality of chances Real Madrid could create with him, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Eden Hazard all available.