Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign took an unexpected hit as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lille, marking their first loss in all competitions in 37 matches. A goal from Canada’s Jonathan David in first-half injury time was enough to see the reigning European champions fall short. While the result alone was shocking, the real cause for concern lies in the broader patterns emerging in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Despite Real Madrid adding star power in the form of Kylian Mbappé, the team has struggled to replicate the dominance they displayed last season. In La Liga, they have already drawn three of their first eight matches, and questions are being raised about whether the squad can adapt to a new style of play, especially following the retirement of Toni Kroos, who was pivotal in controlling their vertical game.
A Worrying Trend for Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s problems have been brewing for some time, with their Champions League loss serving as a wake-up call. Even though it was their first defeat of the season, it underscored their growing inability to control games as they once did. Carlo Ancelotti did not shy away from acknowledging the issues, speaking candidly about his concerns with the team’s playing style.
“It’s difficult to evaluate the game. Everything went quite badly,” Ancelotti admitted after the loss to Lille. “We don’t have to throw everything away, and we have to keep a cool head. The feeling is that we are having trouble generating and creating. Possession has been slow, with few ideas. Today, it is obvious that things have not worked out. We have forwards who need us to play more vertically.”
Ancelotti’s comments highlight the crux of the problem: Real Madrid’s once-lethal vertical play has gone missing. Last season, the team thrived on quick transitions, often ignited by Toni Kroos’ ability to distribute the ball from deep positions. Without the German maestro, Madrid has been less dynamic, and their possession-heavy style has not led to the fluid attacking football that fans are accustomed to. The lack of creativity and pace in Madrid’s buildup is leaving their forwards, including Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., isolated and underutilized.
Real Madrid’s Tactical Shifts and Squad Dynamics
The tactical changes at Real Madrid this season have not yet paid off despite the relatively small number of squad alterations. Much of the focus has been on Jude Bellingham’s new role, which has seen him deployed closer to the sidelines when Madrid is out of possession. This change in positioning has limited the young Englishman’s involvement in the attacking third, compared to last season when he often played a more central and advanced role.
“Bellingham is glued to the sideline when we don’t have the ball, but for the rest, it’s the same as last year. It hasn’t changed,” Ancelotti explained. The coach acknowledged that merely identifying the issue isn’t enough: “I think it’s not enough to talk about the issue to fix it. If it were that way, it would be easier. There is a dynamic that needs to be improved.”
Real Madrid’s squad has the individual quality to overcome these obstacles, but there is a growing sense that their tactical identity is in limbo. Kroos’s departure has not just left a hole in midfield but has also disrupted the team’s flow as a whole. Ancelotti has had to experiment with various formations and playing styles. Yet, none seem to have fully unlocked the potential of their star-studded lineup, including Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Bellingham.
Looking Ahead to Villarreal
The pressure is building, with Real Madrid now winless in their last two matches. Their next game, a La Liga clash against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu, is unlikely to offer much respite. Villarreal, known for their disciplined defense and counter-attacking prowess, could provide another stern test for Ancelotti’s side, desperate to bounce back from their recent struggles.
“The sadness is because the feeling has not been good,” Ancelotti reflected after the Lille defeat. “You can lose because this is sports, but today we did not give a good feeling. I am worried. We have all the resources to learn and improve; we have to fix things quickly.”
With the Champions League campaign now presenting early obstacles and domestic form leaving much to be desired, Real Madrid’s season could hinge on how quickly Ancelotti can address these issues. The focus will be on rediscovering their verticality, creating faster transitions, and getting their attacking stars firing again. Anything less, and Real Madrid could find themselves in a more serious crisis as the season progresses.
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