Real Madrid’s season has not started as hoped, and the pressure is mounting on Carlo Ancelotti’s side. A shock 1-0 loss to Lille on the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League has thrown the club into uncertainty. After this defeat, the Spanish media launched a scathing inquest into the reasons behind Real Madrid’s struggles, focusing on Jude Bellingham’s recent dip in form. AS, one of Spain’s most prominent sports outlets, investigated Real Madrid’s early-season woes. They highlighted Bellingham’s notable decline in output compared to last season and detailed how the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the Englishman’s altered role have significantly impacted his performances.
Jude Bellingham’s Decline in the Spotlight
Jude Bellingham was one of Real Madrid’s standout players last season, but his recent numbers have paled in comparison. According to AS, Bellingham has provided only two assists without scoring a single goal in his first seven games this season. Last year, in the same number of appearances, the midfielder had already netted six times, playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s success across various competitions.
The Spanish outlet, however, cautioned that Bellingham’s new role this season should be considered when assessing his stats. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé has seen Bellingham move into a more traditional midfield role rather than his more advanced position from last year. AS noted that “nothing works like before” for the Englishman, with the change of position affecting his overall contribution to the team. Bellingham is still searching for his best version in this new setup, but the concern in Madrid is palpable.
Kylian Mbappé and the Struggles of Real Madrid’s Attack
Real Madrid’s struggles are not limited to Bellingham alone. The team has found it challenging to replicate the fluid, attacking football they are known for, with several key players yet to find their form. Mbappé, who was expected to be a game-changer for Los Blancos, has struggled to make a meaningful impact so far. While his fitness issues after recovering from an injury could explain his lack of sharpness against Lille, his inability to be a difference-maker has added to Real Madrid’s woes.
Moreover, Vinicius Jr., another vital piece of Ancelotti’s attacking puzzle, has also seen a decline in output. The Brazilian winger, known for his explosive dribbling and goalscoring ability, has been less aggressive this season, with his dribbles and shots decreasing compared to last year. These struggles in the forward line have led to an identity crisis for Real Madrid, with the team still unsure of which formation and approach best suits their star-studded squad.
Real Madrid’s System in Transition
The tactical shift in Real Madrid’s playstyle has been another point of criticism. Since the retirement of midfield maestro Toni Kroos, the team has struggled to maintain its vertical, high-intensity style of football. Kroos was the engine that allowed Madrid to transition from defense to attack seamlessly, and his absence has been felt more deeply than initially expected. Real Madrid’s midfield, while still boasting immense quality, lacks the same control and precision the former Bayern Munich man brought to the side, leaving Ancelotti with the tough task of rebuilding the team’s rhythm.
The inquest by AS also raised concerns about the lack of clarity in Madrid’s overall tactical approach. The team seems stuck in a transition phase with key players like Bellingham and Mbappé still adapting to new roles and formations. Ancelotti has experimented with different systems, but none have consistently unlocked the full potential of his squad. As a result, Real Madrid’s dominance in Europe, and even domestically, is being questioned more than ever.
The Road Ahead
Jude Bellingham, who also dealt with exhaustion after a long summer with England at Euro 2024, will be looking to regain his form as Real Madrid prepares for a crucial La Liga clash against Villarreal. The midfielder played a key role for England as they reached the tournament’s final, but the physical toll of such a demanding summer has affected his early-season performances.
As Real Madrid continues to navigate this difficult period, the hope will be that Bellingham and the rest of the squad can find their best form before the international break. The upcoming fixture against Villarreal on October 5 will be a vital test for Ancelotti’s men. A convincing performance could go a long way in silencing the critics and putting Madrid’s season back on track. Still, if the current struggles persist, the pressure on the Italian manager and his team will only intensify.
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