The wait is over, Real Madrid returned to action with their opening pre-season game against Rangers. Whilst Los Blancos ultimately would come up short in their opening fixture, there were certainly some points of discussion throughout the game. Here are our three takeaways from Real’s return.
It’s more of the same from Luka Jovic:
As a new season looms, one of the biggest narratives that has been discussed is the return of Luka Jovic. The Serbian international has had a disappointing start to life at Real, featuring very sparingly in his debut season, before being sent out on loan midway through 20/21.
The Jovic who put away 27 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt a few seasons ago, seems to be something of a distant memory. Even on his return to Germany, he sparkled at times but largely failed to impress, finding himself second to the main talisman in Andre Silva.
Many fans were critical of Jovic often lacking movement off the ball and isolating himself during his first season at the club. Whilst nobody is expecting Benzema levels of movement, throughout the clash against Rangers, it seemed to be much of the same from Luka.
He did not drop in to help out with the build-up, nor did he make any moves in behind. It may still only be the opening game of preseason, but if Jovic continues to showcase that he is not able to address those issues in his game, he may just find himself out of favour with Ancelotti as an option.
For Jovic, this is truly make-or-break time for his Real Madrid career. Should he fail to make an adequate impression and not justify the significant price-tag he had, he may just find himself in the market looking for a new suitor.