Actual Madrid scraped by way of to a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday evening in Galicia as they had been compelled to work arduous for the three factors. Starring a distinct and intriguing system, Kylian Mbappé broke the impasse with a positive strike from distance within the first half, however Williot Swedburg struck an equaliser after defensive lapses let him in early within the second half. Ultimately, Vinícius Júnior scored a second for Actual Madrid, tapping in after beating Vicente Guaita following a positive help from substitute Luka Modrić.
Three solutions
1. What form would Actual Madrid line-up with?
This week started with an expectation that Actual Madrid may persist with a 4-3-3 form with Rodrygo Goes on the correct flank, nevertheless it transitioned right into a midfield diamond which was used, not for the primary time this season. Nevertheless, this was not like different usages in that Aurelién Tchouameni was taking part in so deep that he nearly acted like a 3rd central defender. It noticed a brand new system during which Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham successfully seemed to make up for the dearth of urgent from the frontline duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. These three labored tirelessly behind them to press the Celta Vigo defence to some extent, however the system as soon as once more left gaps which opened up all around the subject, significantly on Actual Madrid’s proper flank the place Antonio Rüdiger and Aurelién Tchouameni each appeared to shirk the accountability of offering some cowl to assist out their team-mate Lucas Vázquez.
2. How match would the harm doubts be?
After lacking worldwide obligation as a result of their very own health struggles, there was no signal of any harm to any of Éder Militão, Vinícius Júnior or Kylian Mbappé. The latter was the one one to not play the complete 90 minutes, coming off with eight minutes left on the clock. There was additionally a return for Thibaut Courtois between the sticks, having final been seen towards Atlético Madrid and having overcome a muscle harm in his leg. Carlo Ancelotti nonetheless has harm worries in his squad, however the information that there aren’t any short-term considerations with these three key gamers is a giant bonus for Los Blancos.
3. How would Lucas Vázquez settle in?
Donning the captain’s armband in the beginning of the sport, this was solely Lucas Vázquez’s fourth begin of the season as he got here in to exchange Dani Carvajal for the primary time following the quantity two’s latest harm and surgical procedure which has already ended his 2024/25 marketing campaign. Vázquez is now just about the one choice obtainable to Carlo Ancelotti on the correct of defence, however his efficiency in Galicia left most of the query marks from his critics as as to if he’s a powerful sufficient choice for Actual Madrid to compete. Offensively, he appeared to be good, concerned in play and making a match-high three probabilities. It was defensively the place he was under the usual, being accountable for the massive quantity of house afforded to Williot Svedberg, with Vázquez as an alternative staying extensive to mark Hugo Álvarez and leaving an enormous hole within the center. It was the sort of hesitation and indecisiveness which comes from a non-natural full-back with restricted minutes in latest months.
Three questions
1. Is that this a possibility for Fran García?
Arguably the largest shock from Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday evening was the choice to start out Fran García forward of Ferland Mendy at left-back. The total-back operated in a extra offensive position than we’ve got seen from him at instances, seemingly taking part in into his strengths and benefitting from him having spent two weeks on the coaching floor. He was tidy, if not spectacular, finishing 95% of his passes, profitable three duels from 4 makes an attempt, and recovering possession six instances. He definitely seemed extra snug within the place than Mendy did when he got here on with 20 minutes to go. Ancelotti has most popular Mendy for the massive event over the previous season, and the true take a look at of religion may come towards Dortmund.
2. Did we see the primary actual signal of friction from “BMV”?
In one of many flash factors of the primary half, Jude Bellingham threw his arms up within the air and kicked the turf in entrance of him in frustration at Vinícius Junior’s resolution to shoot, fairly than cross, within the sort of act that the Catalan media have been desperately on the lookout for. Sadly for them, it got here on an evening when Vini scored the profitable aim and Mbappé scored the opener with a rocket from exterior the field. Mbappé’s aim from 0.04 xG was precisely what followers had been hoping for when he signed, whereas Vinícius led the stats in dribbles (5 accomplished) and duels gained (10). Nonetheless, there’s a level to this debate. Bellingham is doing important leg work to permit the entrance two to do their factor, and which means loads of sacrifice from the England worldwide. This might not be the one time his persistence is examined.
3. Ought to Luka Modrić be beginning frequently?
39 years of age and changing into Actual Madrid’s oldest ever participant as he got here off the bench, Luka Modrić turned out to be the hero with a defence-splitting go which minimize Celta Vigo in two and allowed Vinícius in to spherical Vicente Guaita and rating what would turn into the profitable aim. His involvement off the bench appeared inevitable provided that Fede Valverde didn’t return to Spain from South America till late this week as a result of worldwide obligation, however the Croatian made probably the most of his 27 minutes on the sector, recording a 91% go accuracy, profitable two of his three duels and finishing his solely tried dribble. Whereas Valverde, Bellingham and Camavinga clearly provide extra by way of stamina and power, none can match Modrić’s capability to discover a defence-splitting go. That continues to be an ace up Carlo Ancelotti’s sleeve and present Modrić’s worth to this squad.
