Real Madrid: 5 burning questions from the Spanish Supercup loss

Real Madrid were eliminated from the Spanish Supercup this year after losing 2-1 to Athletic Club. Here are five questions following the defeat.

After a deflating 0-0 draw with Osasuna, Real Madrid did not rebound on Thursday night in Malaga in their first and only Spanish Supercup fixture this year.

Los Blancos fell 2-1 to Athletic Club, having defeated the same opposition 3-1 weeks ago. Both matches came down to the wire, but, in this case, Real Madrid made TWO defensive errors that were punished and could not capitalize on their own chances.

Let’s look at five burning questions from the loss.

Can Real Madrid overcome an off night from Luka Modric?

Luka Modric has been Real Madrid’s most consistent player throughout the 2020-2021 season. He has been their top performer, even above Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos. Every kind word Modric receives, he has earned. Whereas some players on the team receive praise no matter what, even if they played a mediocre match, due to their reputations, Modric is the one man who has earned the highest adulation in each match.

That said, nobody can have a great match 100 percent of the time, especially not in a season that forces players to trot out there every three to four days.

Modric had one of those off nights against Athletic Club this Thursday, and Real Madrid fell apart as a result. He tried his hardest to beat defenders and make things happen, but he was failed b the poor positioning of his teammates, who were comically woeful with their movements in the first half. The forwards lacked any sort of cohesion, and Modric was left flailing as a result.

When Modric doesn’t shine, Real Madrid lose. It’s that simple. He is the beating heart of this team.