Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory against Alaves on LaLiga’s Matchday 1

3. Get the new central-defensive setup working

We have seen a Kroos-less midfield or for that matter, we have also seen a Benzema-less attack and plenty of what Gareth Bale can do on a good day. But, something that is going to be very new for Madridistas is to see a defense without Sergio Ramos or Raphael Varane. It is anxious as well as exciting at the same time.

The defense improved from the friendly against Rangers where the Whites conceded two to the one against AC Milan where they maintained a clean sheet. The central defense, in my opinion, would feature the duo of Nacho and David Alaba. Though the defense improved, there still were areas to work on for Don Carlo and Co.

There were gaps that Milan could exploit and the defense, to say the least, looked distorted. The inclusion of Alaba couldn’t keep us from not missing Ramos. Los Blancos need to address these concerns and get the defense right before the league starts. La Liga is a lot about sitting deep and defending diligently. Even, the bottom of the table sides are able to maintain a compact and organized defense.

We know the system would and has changed a lot from Zinedine Zidane’s system where he prioritized defensive stability. But, that doesn’t mean that defense can be discounted upon especially against counter-attacking sides. Most lower-ranked Spanish teams can be dangerous on the break and from what we saw in the preseason, there is a lot to work upon.