Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory against Granada on La Liga’s Matchday 36

3. Improve the defensive cover on counters

Real Madrid are missing a few of their first-choice players in defense. The names comprise Ferland Mendy, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal. Real Madrid indeed, are operating with a make-shift defense with Nacho and Eder Militao piloting the main responsibilities and a sinking Marcelo and bright Odriozola playing wide. The latter suffered a muscular overload but is optimistic about playing against Granada. 

However, the season has taken a do-or-die turn and absences can no longer be a compelling enough excuse for sloppy defense. Real Madrid has looked vulnerable on counters lately. We saw this against Chelsea and saw glimpses again at home in the last matchday. If Militao’s closing pace wasn’t so great, we could have been in deeper trouble.

The key in defense hence would be to look much more resolute on the counters. There is a need to close in quickly and regain shape. In my opinion, the way to do that would be to go back to a back three and operate wingbacks. A back three has been a good platform for Real Madrid to advance and attack, worrying less about possible counters.

The same system was effective against Cadiz, our last away fixture. However, one problem for Real Madrid is that only two fullbacks are available. If a back three is to be restored Zinedine Zidane will have to work out a formula and get Odriozola back, operating someone else as the right wing-back.

Real Madrid will have to work through their defensive woes. They have conceded four goals in their last two outings in all competitions. They cannot afford a repetition. Granada are a dangerous side on counters. The two goals that they managed in a 2-1 win at Camp Nou were during instances where Barca had committed a lot of their players forward. If this isn’t improved upon, Real Madrid can have a hard time.