Richard Dean
Updated on: October 14, 2024 3:34 am GMT
Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Deportivo Alavés last Tuesday, with standout performances from Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes. The win, despite a nervy finish, showcased Real Madrid’s attacking prowess while raising questions about their defensive stability.
The match began in dramatic fashion, with Lucas Vázquez scoring just 57 seconds in, marking the team’s first first-half goal in several games. Kylian Mbappé soon displayed his skill, following up with an impressive solo effort to double the lead. Not to be outdone, Rodrygo secured a powerful third goal early in the second half, placing Real Madrid in a commanding position.
However, the game took a nerve-wracking turn late in the second half. Alavés responded with goals from Carlos Protesoni and Kike García, creating tension as Real Madrid fought to maintain their lead.
Key Takeaways from the Match
As excitement buzzed through Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, several questions emerged regarding the team’s performance and future matches.
1. Shuffling the Squad
Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti used some rotation for this match, but he was also forced to make crucial substitutions after injuries. Key insights include:
- Dani Carvajal did not play due to a knock, with Vázquez stepping in.
- Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger returned to bolster the defense, while Jesús Vallejo made a rare appearance.
- Interestingly, Ancelotti waited until the 69th minute to bring in veterans Luka Modrić and Endrick Felipe, instead of using them earlier.
Despite the changes, Ancelotti’s decision-making raised eyebrows as the team struggled defensively later in the match.
2. A Quiet Bernabéu
The atmosphere in the Bernabéu was unusually muted. The ongoing limitations on using the stadium for concerts have affected its overall sound level. Notable points from the matchday experience include:
- Advertisements and fan engagement videos were played at reduced volume.
- Pre-match music and halftime entertainment were absent, except for a subdued rendition of the club’s anthem.
Fans might expect an improvement in the match day environment in future games.
3. Ancelotti’s Milestone
Carlo Ancelotti’s 300th game in charge was a significant milestone. The crowd response was mixed, reflecting some discontent with the team’s performance start to the season:
- While many fans honored Ancelotti with a standing ovation, a notable section expressed criticism.
- His impressive win percentage of 70.7% and 14 trophies places him high among Madrid’s all-time managers, but frustration remains over inconsistent performances.
First-Half Goals: A Welcome Change
The opening goal from Vázquez marked a crucial change as it represented the first first-half goal for Real Madrid in quite some time. This was the first half in the Bernabéu stadium where fans saw their team score since the last match against Alavés in May. This lack of early goals had become a growing concern for fans, making the game’s opening moments even more thrilling.
Kylian Mbappé’s contribution further made a statement as he displayed the flair and talent that fans had eagerly anticipated. His dazzling goal not only relieved fans but also hinted at an upcoming resurgence in form needed for a pivotal streak of matches ahead.
Insights for the Upcoming Derbi Madrileño
As Real Madrid looks forward to their next challenge against local rivals Atlético Madrid, questions about the team’s tactics were raised. The match against Alavés showcased elements that may play a role in the upcoming rivalry:
Keen Attackers
The fluid interaction between Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé indicated a growing understanding among the attacking trio. Each player started to favor their respective wide positions, forming a balanced front line perfect for exploiting weaknesses in Atlético’s defense.
This evolving partnership could play a crucial role in Real Madrid’s strategy as they face a more robust opponent in Atlético Madrid.
Disciplinary Concerns
An additional aspect of the game that requires attention is the growing number of yellow cards shown to Real Madrid players for dissent. Within the first ten minutes, Fede Valverde and Vinícius Júnior joined others in the referee’s notebook:
- A total of eight cautions for dissent have been recorded this season, marking a notable shift in La Liga’s enforcement.
- Last season, only 14 of 72 yellow cards were related to dissent, indicating that players need to adapt to the stricter officiating criteria.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s victory over Deportivo Alavés represents both promise and concern as they progress through La Liga. The thrilling first half, led by impressive performances from key players, shows the potential for greatness. However, the shaky second half and the growing disciplinary issues highlight areas that need urgent attention. As the team prepares for the upcoming Derbi Madrileño, fans and critics alike will be watching closely, hoping to see a more complete performance from Los Blancos as they aim to assert dominance in the Spanish league.
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