The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory against Inter Milan on Champions League Matchday 1

By Manas Pratim Sharma

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 25: Roberto Gagliardini of Internazionale (L) plays against Luka Modric (R) and Toni Kroos of Real Madrid (C) during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between FC Internazionale and Real Madrid at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 25, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 25: Roberto Gagliardini of Internazionale (L) plays against Luka Modric (R) and Toni Kroos of Real Madrid (C) during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between FC Internazionale and Real Madrid at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 25, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Eder Militao, Real Madrid (Photo by David Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Eder Militao, Real Madrid (Photo by David Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

2. Real Madrid must defend well aerially

One of the visible strengths seen in tInter so far has been their play in the air. They have scored nine goals from three matches so far and four of them have been headers and one a first-time volley right into the roof of the net by Lautaro Martinez off a Nicolo Barella delivery. Inter have been particularly strong in the air and that is something Real Madrid needs to take note of.

After losing the services of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane – arguably the best center-back pairing of the generation – Eder Militao has stepped up as a regular in central defense for Los Blancos. Eder Militao is particularly good in the air, and it is for sure that Real will need him to be in his best form for the game against Inter.

Nacho made a few questionable decisions the last time out which left the defense exposed and vulnerable and also led to a second goal for Celta Vigo. That puts serious questions on who should be starting alongside Militao. The only real available option is David Alaba and in my opinion, the Militao-Alaba combination has worked relatively better for Los Blancos so far.

The final thing to take note of for Carlo Ancelotti’s men in defense is that they need to stop the incoming crosses and be particularly sharp in tracking runners on the flanks and my shout would be to start the combination of Dani Carvajal and Miguel Gutierrez. For the few balls that do make their way in, Real Madrid needs to be exceptionally good in their aerial defending and that should hopefully keep the Italians at bay.

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