Real Madrid’s defeat to RB Leipzig was an embarrassment. Everything that could have gone wrong in the course of those 90 minutes went wrong, and the team played its worst game of the season. The dynamics of the team were disjointed, and there was no overall rapport. Little good can be gleaned from the game.
The game’s biggest problem emerged even before it began, and Leipzig made sure to take full advantage of it. Ancelotti’s starting lineup, which included Nacho in the middle alongside Militao and Antonio Rudiger as the left back, was absurd. The decision did not go well at all, and it soon became the main cause of the disasterclass in Germany.
This is not the first time the Italian manager has tinkered with the board’s pins. Ancelotti’s choice to play Modric as the number 9 in last season’s El Clasico was another of his experiments. There is nothing novel about how the final scores were distributed. However, the match against Leipzig wasn’t as significant as the Clasico, so in a way it’s better that the reality check transpired in a match that wasn’t as damaging on paper.
Nonetheless, the problem remains. Is it Ancelotti’s experiments, though? We don’t think so. Th manager’s decision in Germany was only a small part of a larger problem that has existed for a long time but has been shrouded in some way or the other. It is now imperative that corrective measures be taken.
Real Madrid’s defensive position is extremely concerning
Los Blancos have focused heavily on strengthening the team’s defensive unit in recent time, signing David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger in consecutive seasons to solidify the back line. Eder Militao has also stepped up sharply after a significant vacancy was created. However, the efforts have fallen short of expectations.
Yes, Alaba is a fantastic leader on the field and was essential to the team’s Champions League campaign last year, but the defence still had holes in it. Rudiger’s addition has also done little to heal the wound.
The fact that the defensive fleet’s flaws were not exposed last season was due to the attacking unit’s high efficiency and Thibaut Courtois’ flawless saves, which overshadowed the back unit’s deficiencies.
The inability to close gaps and sustain aggressive ball pressure were the main issues that existed last season and continue to exist today. Because every team Real Madrid plays has picked up on this weakness, Leipzig was able to easily break Real’s lines with intense pressure plays and gap-piercing manoeuvres.
Ancelotti has undoubtedly revolutionised Real Madrid’s attacking third, but at the expense of defensive back adjustments. The lack of tactical options to maintain possession for longer periods of time, as well as rush counter-attacks and fluidity ahead of the pitch, has made the back four appear disorganized and prone to dispossession as a result of constant pressure.
The team’s initial tempo is incredible, but as it fades, problems begin to pile up. The defence begins to look shaky and becomes increasingly untrustworthy. Alaba and Militao have frequently been caught off guard because they are unable to keep track of passes and runs that go in between them. Due to their attacking styles and sporadic inability to track back, both players frequently leave the back of the field exposed.
Ferland Mendy, the strongest and most complete defensive full back in recent memory, is perhaps the most solid member of this team. He may have offensive issues, but his primary responsibilities are well-managed and he performs them commendably. His absence was felt heavily against Leipzig, and the left flank appeared completely disorganized.
Last season, the team allowed 50 goals in about 60 games, and so far this season, 14 goals have been conceded in 16 games. A horrifying statistic that is not widely discussed.
It is natural that the attacking unit’s prowess and the goalkeeper’s presence will not always be present to obscure the defense’s mistakes, which is exactly what is taking place this season. The errors of the back four are becoming more and more obvious, and it won’t be long before the price becomes too great to bear if the proper tactical corrections are not made in time.