Five reasons why Real Madrid will win their Champions League group
5. The transitioning defense will hold up well as the season progresses
The last reason is the one where I am taking a long shot. But, it is not all speculation, Real Madrid’s back-line has shown signs of settling as well as faced newer problems, the very recent being Dani Carvajal’s injury. Real Madrid has tried out two different central-back pairings. One with Eder Militao and David Alaba and the second with Nacho and Eder Militao.
In my opinion, the Militao-Alaba pairing has worked better for Los Blancos. Although they were lucky to have not conceded a goal in the game against Inter, the bottom-line stays that Real Madrid’s new defensive combination found a way and secured a clean sheet. Such performances will go a long way in restoring the confidence in a defense that hasn’t found its footing yet. The game against Betis too was very similar.
In fact, the goal that Valencia’s Hugo Duro scored in the last Matchday was the first goal conceded by Real Madrid when Militao and Alaba started at the central defense. Having a player like Alaba at Central defense should be a big boon for Real Madrid. Alaba’s qualities make him a great ball-playing defender, the kind Don Carlo loves to work with. The signs point towards having him play centrally more regularly.
Hugo Duro’s goal came after a defensive error from Lucas Vazquez who replaced Dani Carvajal after his injury in the first half. And that brings me to the most important point, the right-back situation at Real Madrid is something that needs immediate attention. Up to the point that the goal was conceded, Real Madrid very much looked like a team who could recover bodies quickly and defend counters, and these are all positive signs that the defense will find its footing as the season progresses.
Next. 3 Real Madrid players who will benefit from Paul Pogba’s possible arrival. dark
With Dani Carvajal out for few weeks at least, my shout would be to shift Nacho to the right and play Miguel Gutierrez who owns the left-back role. He has proved his worth on multiple occasions and deserves to have a more regular role in the squad. Nacho is a very versatile defender who looks to be settled in at the fullback position. One of the world’s best Goalkeepers in Thibaut Courtois is always there guarding Real’s goal. And, that should see Real Madrid through and help them win their Champions League group.