Last month was quite a rollercoaster ride for Real Madrid fans. We entered September with a brilliant win 5-2 win over Celta Vigo, we travelled to San Siro and sealed a late winner through a Rodrygo Goes goal, we picked up three crucial points at the Mestalla and dismantled RCD Mallorca in a 6-1 win.
It all looked golden for Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti until then but in the final few days of September Los Blancos’ hot run of form fell short against Villarreal in La Liga and Sherrif Tiraspol in the UEFA Champions League.
It’s obvious that the loss against Sherrif in the Champions League would cause a stir in the media and amongst the fans. But it’s not worth overreacting or over analysing as Eesh Jhamb wrote the same.
In no way am I denying that the loss against Sherrif was a bitter pill to swallow but now Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid move on to more important things as the month of October is going to be a gruelling test. Let’s have a look at why.
THE MUCH-AWAITED RETURN FOR REAL MADRID
Toni Kroos marked his return on the big stage after three months of absence, the German midfielder played roughly over 20 minutes against Sheriff in the UEFA Champions League after recovering from a groin injury.
Despite the loss, Kroos’ introduction into the game brought a sense of stability and calmness in the midfield that had been lacking in his absence. His laser-sharp passing and his nerves of steel when on the ball make him one of the world’s very best midfielders.
Kroos’ return is a huge plus point for Carlo Ancelotti who can now add more to his midfield with the former Bayern Munich midfielder. With fixtures coming hard and fast in October, Toni Kroos’ recovery has come at the right time.
While the 31-year-old’s return is a huge win, there’s a far more important return for Carlo Ancelotti. Ferland Mendy who last featured for Madrid in the UCL semi-final against Chelsea is set to return shortly.
The French left-back suffered from a stress fracture in the tibia against Chelsea and since then has spent time on the sidelines making his way back to full fitness. According to Marca, Mendy is not yet feeling 100% fitness as he returned to training alone but will soon be back on track to mark his return into the starting eleven.
The 26-year-old has been one of Real Madrid’s most important players especially because of the defensive stability he brings onto the left-flank. The defence has missed Mendy’s presence lately and his return could help solidify the backline.
There were reports about Ancelotti wanting to play the former Lyon defender as a centre-back. However, taking such a risk would be a huge gamble for the Italian given the magnitude of fixtures that lie ahead.
TWO IMPORTANT FIXTURES FOR REAL MADRID IN LALIGA
Real Madrid are currently on top of the table in La Liga with 17 points along with a game in hand. The Merengues now take on Espanyol in Barcelona and a win could further increase their lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid who have 17 points as well from eight games.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently unbeaten in the league with five wins and two draws while also scoring the most number of goals in the league (28). Despite Real’s impressive run of form domestically, the Whites face two important fixtures after the international break.
First up is Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu. Marcelino Garcia’s side have not been at their best form lately after sealing a 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves in their previous fixture. Despite their form, Bilbao is always a tough opponent to face and Real Madrid will have to be cautious against them while also aiming for three points.
Following the Bilbao game, Los Blancos travel to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and then return to play Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The Catalans have had a horror start to the season under Ronaldo Koeman and Lionel Messi’s absence so far.
Real Madrid have gone four El Classico’s without a loss (3 wins and 1 draw) but they will be tested against Barcelona at home. Given the magnitude of the fixture, factors such as form won’t really matter and Barca will strive for three points to pull themselves together once again.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURE AGAINST SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Real Madrid are set to travel to Ukraine after the Atheltic Bilbao game to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League group stage fixture. It’s the same familiar faces again for Real Madrid after playing Shakhtar in last season’s group stage.
Under Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid were stunned twice as Shakhtar completed an impressive double for Madrid in the Champions League. The Ukrainian side first beat Madrid on away soil with a 2-3 win at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium and then secured an easy 2-0 victory over Zinedine Zidane’s battalion on home soil.
A repeat of such events will certainly not be tolerated and Carlo Ancelotti is well aware of that fact. The Italian manager has made a strong start to the season with his attacking brand of football and the same will be demanded in the Champions League as well.
Real Madrid are currently second in the group with one win (over Inter Milan) and one loss ( against Sheriff). With just three points in two fixtures, Carlo Ancelotti and his side have no other option but to grab three points in all the remaining fixtures.
Although Shakhtar Donetsk are currently at the bottom of the group, it will be a demanding challenge against them due to their counter-attacking style of play. Real Madrid have struggled defensively and Shakhtar will look to make the most out of the defensive loopholes.