'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After beating Inter Milan by the narrowest of margins (1-0) in their 2021-22 Champions League opener, Real Madrid were humbled 2-1 by debutants Sheriff Tiraspol. The 13-time European champions were all over the place in the match and walked away with a sour defeat on Tuesday night.
The Moldovan outfit struck first in the first half with Jasurbek Yakhshiboev’s header and went into the second half with a 1-0 lead. Karim Benzema restored parity for the hosts from the penalty spot but could not guide his team to a win. Sheriff’s Sebastien Thill pulled the visitors in front once again in the 89th minute, and Los Blancos were unable to come up with a reply.
As one might expect, most Real Madrid players were below par, but the ones on our list today were particularly abysmal. Here are the top-five underperformers in Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Sheriff FC on Tuesday night.
#5 Eduardo Camavinga
Real Madrid’s final acquisition in the summer transfer window, Eduardo Camavinga, was given an important role in the middle of the park on Tuesday. He started the first half brightly but faded away as the match wore on. The teenager tried quite a few innovative passes and movements but could not trouble the Sheriff midfielders.
In the second half, he was primarily stationed around the Sheriff box, but hardly did anything of note. Sheriff midfielders expertly cut his passing lanes and often forced him to commit errors, which hindered Real’s progression. He was also the most fouled player in the first half, which seemed to take a toll on his confidence.
The 18-year-old is surely one of the finest talents in the world but might not be ready to become a Real Madrid regular just yet.
#4 Nacho Fernandez
Real Madrid graduate Nacho Fernandez is arguably one of the most committed players Real Madrid have at their disposal. The Spaniard is capable of playing in a host of different positions, practically providing cover for all defenders.
On Tuesday, he started on the right flank, subbing in for Dani Carvajal. Unfortunately, Sheriff could pick out the gaps in his gameplay and exploit the vulnerabilities expertly. Every time Nacho pushed forward, he left the right flank vulnerable. Thankfully, his teammates covered him well for the most part, but he was caught out painfully in the first half.
Nacho failed to track back in time to cut-out a crossfield pass to Sheriff left-back Cristiano. The full-back had acres of space and plenty of time to pick out Yakhshiboev inside the Real Madrid box, whose thumping header pulled Sheriff ahead. Nacho did not do enough to make amends for his sins and was ultimately taken off in the second half.
#3 David Alaba
David Alaba joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The natural left-back is not only wearing Sergio Ramos’ no.4 jersey, but he is also expected to become a leader of the club. Truth be told, he has shown glimpses of his leadership in the last few matches. But the game against Sheriff was an unfortunate exception.
Alaba operated as a centre-back alongside Eder Militao on Tuesday night. He was also in charge of set-pieces and put in some inviting crosses into the box as well. Defensively, he was far from convincing.
He was caught out multiple times over the course of the match and was partially responsible for Sheriff’s opener. Just as Nacho lost Cristiano, Alaba failed to keep tabs on Yakhshiboev. The Sheriff forward conveniently picked out his spot and hit the back of the net with ease. After the goal, Alaba was a little more careful during transitions but the damage was already done.
#2 Casemiro
Under Zinedine Zidane, Casemiro emerged as one of the most important players in the history of the club. Now, under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian looks like a shell of his former world-conquering self.
Congested fixtures and fatigue seem to have caught up with the defensive midfielder. He has played consistently for Brazil and Real Madrid over the past season, which has taken a serious toll on his performance.
Against Sheriff, Casemiro looked lethargic and generally out of sorts. The Sheriff midfielders were able to exploit his fatigue and put pressure on Real Madrid defenders. He even picked up an unnecessary booking, which made things worse for his team.
#1 Vinicius Jr
Until last week, Vinicius Jr. looked to be one of the most in-form players in Europe. Now, following a La Liga draw and a Champions League defeat later, Vinicius Jr seems to have gone back to dark times. As always, the Brazilian left-winger was exciting to watch when he had the ball at his feet. Unfortunately, his dribbling did not get him very far. Sheriff were able to sniff out his attempts and stop them in their tracks.
He won a penalty for Real Madrid that led to their only goal but his decision-making in front of goal was once again questionable. The second-highest scorer in La Liga was meant to be a little more decisive against the Sheriff. Sadly, he did nothing but cut a frustrating figure for most of the night.
Also Check Out: UEFA Euro Germany Squad
