Real Madrid: 5 takeaways from an eventful 3-3 draw with Levante

Real Madrid’s back four still needs some work

Questions will be asked about the Real Madrid defense until they have a run of clean sheets, because replacing a center back pairing as colossal as Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos was always going to be a tough order. Even if Real have confidence in the promising Eder Militao, experienced Nacho Fernandez, and versatile David Alaba, Varane and Ramos comprised one of the best center back partnerships in club football history. And that’s not to mention the understanding they had with each other.

Militao, Nacho, Lucas Vazquez, and David Alaba had some serious communication errors against Levante, which the Frogs were always going to exploit as one of LaLiga’s most dangerous quick-attacking teams. Alaba likes to press and win the ball back, but that would force Nacho to step up and leave Militao and, especially, Vazquez exposed.

Dani Carvajal steadied the back four with his return off the bench, which is no surprise considering 1) Vazquez is not a right back and 2) Carvajal is the most tried-and-true right back on the planet. And his return to health will help Real significantly.

What will help Real’s defense the most, though, is experience and chemistry. Alaba has the skills and understanding of a Real Madrid player, but he is still learning how to play with his teammates and meet the unique demands at the club. It is only a matter of time before he hits his very peak. As for Militao and Nacho, they know each other, but there will still be bumps in the road.

Madridistas should not panic about this defense, but they should be mindful that since Carlo Ancelotti will attack more freely, the back four will be taxed even more than in the past two seasons under Zinedine Zidane.