Three positives and three negatives from Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Elche

Negative 1 – The defending from Real Madrid has been embarrassing

People often say that a good attack can win you games, but a good defence can win you titles. Real Madrid fans do know the importance of that statement as the club won its 34th LaLiga title in 2019/20 on the foundation of a solid defence. This season the club is currently leading the LaLiga title race, but the defence in a lot of games has been shambolic, and it only exposes a lot of Real Madrid’s weaknesses.

Real Madrid conceded two goals against a depleted Elche side today, and both the goals could have been easily avoided. A particular individual can’t be blamed for Elche’s goals, because it was a collective failure in defence. The positioning of every player was terrible in both the goals conceded and the way the team right flank was opened up by a single pass from Elche during the first goal shows a lot. And it has once again exposed the team’s troubles in dealing with crosses and the inability to maintain defensive discipline while going for a goal at the other end.

The tally of goals conceded in LaLiga this season has now increased to 20 in 22 games, and it is not a great sight. With a crucial fixture against PSG coming up next month, Ancelotti needs to sort out the defensive woes. The round of 16 fixture is expected to be an even one, but given the presence of PSG’s star attackers like Kylian Mbappe, Leo Messi and Neymar Jr., the team just can’t afford to show any form of cracks in defence.