Lucas Vázquez‘s goal at Mendizorroza capped off a near-perfect 2023 and first half of the season. Real Madrid finished the year top of LaLiga with just one defeat, and with a clean sweep of victories in the UEFA Champions League. A Real Madrid that could be described as resolute, because there is hardly a season in living memory in which Real Madrid have had more setbacks.
The team has accumulated important absentees from the starting eleven since the start of the season: the cruciate ligaments of Courtois and Militão, to which another serious injury has been added: that of David Alaba. None of the three are expected to return this season.
On top of that, Vinícius Jr. has barely been available on a regular basis due to his hamstring problem. Camavinga has also been sidelined for a few months with knee problems and Tchouaméni has only just recovered after another spell on the sidelines, not to mention the injury to the outstanding Carvajal and Arda Güler, who hasn’t wear the shirt yet.
All these problems and injuries haven’t been able to overcome Carlo Ancelotti‘s Real Madrid, who, since the summer, have been adapting to the various problems that have arisen.
Firstly, the departure of Benzema and the non-arrival of a ‘9’ forced Carletto to impose a new 4-4-2 formation, with freedom and arrival for a Jude Bellingham who has led many to currently classify him as the best player in the world.
Then, the ‘obligatory’ appearance of Brahim Díaz, who at the beginning wasn’t trusted by Ancelotti, but who is now one of the fittest and most important players in the team. Rodrygo, who has taken the team’s attacking power on his shoulders and who is very comfortable, more on the left and with freedom of movement.
Fede Valverde has also been moved to the pivot, alongside Toni Kroos. The Uruguayan has less presence in the box, but offers the muscle and run that the team needs inside, as well as freeing up defensive pressure for Toni Kroos, who is one of the best players in the team at the moment, playing at his ease and carrying the weight of dominance in games.
Competition in goal is another key aspect. At first, Kepa seemed to be Kepa’s first choice. However, after his injury, Lunin took a step forward, which has led to an improvement in his level and sowed doubts for Carlo Ancelotti, who is still undecided about his first-choice goalkeeper.
Finally, the team’s defensive depth. With the multiple absentees, Rüdiger, who was the third centre-back, has become the leader of the rearguard, adapting perfectly to his partner at the back at all times and probably being the fittest defender in LaLiga.
There were fears that Real Madrid would be weak at the back, but Los Merengues have conceded just 11 goals in 18 games, making them the lowest-scoring team in the league. In any case, they are expected to bring in some new players in the winter transfer window.
In short, a very complete Real Madrid with a large squad, with top level players capable of adapting to different schemes and positions, who have been able to overcome all the season’s accidents, and in the best possible way.
A Real Madrid, with limited and broken parts, whose gears and replacements, for the moment, are working perfectly. A resolute Ancelotti, who is fitting them in the best possible way. A club that faces 2024 as favourites for everything, despite initial doubts.
Translated by Marcos Rodríguez.
Main image: @realmadrid.
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