After Real Madrid’s convincing 3-0 victory over Girona, head coach Carlo Ancelotti proclaimed, “We’re back.” While the result may have suggested a resurgence, a deeper examination reveals that Madrid is still grappling with core issues that prevent them from firing on all cylinders. This became painfully evident in their subsequent 3-2 triumph over Atalanta in the Champions League, a match that showcased both the potential and pitfalls of the current squad. The loss of Kylian Mbappé early in the game illustrates these inconsistencies, despite Vinícius Júnior’s return to action.
Ancelotti’s team faced Atalanta, a side notorious for their relentless attacking style and high pressing. Pep Guardiola’s quip about playing against La Dea being “as much fun as a trip to the dentist” rings particularly true when considering how they manage to stifle opponents. Although Real Madrid managed to secure a win, their display was far from flawless and underscored the necessity for further growth and improvement.
The match against Atalanta again exposed critical gaps in Real Madrid’s play, particularly in the midfield. Dani Ceballos struggled significantly under pressure, raising questions about his ability to function as a primary playmaker in high-stakes situations. Lucas Vázquez also showed vulnerabilities in one-on-one defensive situations, particularly against the talented Ademola Lookman. Such deficiencies create a lopsided dynamic, especially regarding how Vinícius, Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham often gravitate toward the left of the pitch, disrupting team shape and spacing.
One can argue that when the stars align—when the likes of Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham occupy the field—there’s a palpable threat, and yet, they still appear to lack a cohesive unit on the pitch. Their movements at times feel forced, as if they were students attempting to demonstrate their skills to an authority figure. Such a lack of natural coordination is a concern for a team with aspirations of dominating not just in La Liga but on the European stage as well.
Despite the evident flaws, the match in Bergamo illuminated the inherent strengths of Real Madrid: their star power and resilience. The names lighting up the score sheet—Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham—paint a picture of individual brilliance that can change the course of the game. Mbappé’s deft control and impressive finishing for the opening goal were a prime example of this star quality, and Vinícius demonstrated his playmaking ability with a brilliant assist for Bellingham’s goal.
Bellingham’s energetic performance encapsulated his role as both a scoring and defensive asset. Notably, Antonio Rüdiger’s contributions at the back provided crucial defensive solidity, helping to ensure that the team could maintain their lead during tense moments. Such displays of grit and determination are vital components to winning matches, and while talent is essential, it is often this “x-factor” that differentiates successful teams from their less fortunate counterparts.
Contrastingly, Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini employed a strategy that underscores the difference between a well-coached team and one relying solely on individual talent. Gasperini’s ability to extract top performances from players who may not have been rated highly elsewhere—such as Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere—reflects exemplary coaching. Their aggressive man-to-man press and tactical flexibility pushed Real Madrid to their limits at times.
Gasperini manages to create a system that not only gets the best out of his players but also fosters an environment that celebrates tenacity and spirited play. The features that once defined Atalanta—a chaotic and high-risk approach—have evolved into a more balanced game plan, allowing them to compete effectively domestically and on the European stage.
As Real Madrid progresses through the season, the immediate concerns revolve around the fitness of key players such as Mbappé. While Ancelotti downplayed the injury, the reality is that Madrid can’t afford to lose the dynamic Frenchman for extended periods. His ability to influence matches and the fact that he demonstrated a superior work rate during his brief spell against Atalanta should serve as a wake-up call for both him and the team.
In the coming weeks, Madrid will need to refine their approach, addressing the glaring deficiencies while harnessing their innate talent. Whether it involves setting a clearer tactical framework or developing a more cohesive organizational structure to balance star power with functionality remains key. If they can strike the right balance, the potential for greatness still exists, but failure to address these fundamental weaknesses could thwart their ambitions. The challenge now lies in Ancelotti’s hands—can he mold this star-studded squad into a cohesive unit that competes at the highest level? Only time will tell.
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