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Real Madrid began their 2018-19 season against Atletico Madrid, suffering a humiliating loss at the hands of their city-rivals in the UEFA Super Cup. The 13 time European champions recovered well by beating Getafe CF by a 2-0 margin, Girona FC and Leganes CD by 4 goals to 1.
But the Real Madrid's ship has looked shaky in front of the tougher challenges presented by the stronger opponents in the league and UEFA Champions League. They were made to look mediocre by Sevilla when they stunned Real Madrid by defeating them 3-0, a humiliating score for someone of Los Blancos' stature.
Then they faced surprise is Russia against CSKA Moscow who defeated by a narrow margin of 1-0. Their disappointing form continued in the league as well when they lost to a stoppage-time goal by Deportivo Alaves, a team who started the match as clear underdogs.
Let's look at the things Madrid are missing in their game :
#5 Lack of sharpness in the creative department
One improvement that was clearly expected of Lopetegui was to get rid of the cross and pray tactics that was hardcoded in the attacking game of the club for the past few seasons. Changes were clearly visible in the first three matches of La Liga, where Real dominated the possession as well as created chances through the middle by breaking the defensive lines of the opposition.
But that style of play has proved to be toothless against stubborn defences who like to sit back and soak pressure. For instance, both the encounters against city rivals have proven to be fruitless for the Santiago Bernabeu based club.
Even the talent-filled midfield of Real Madrid hasn't been able to find a way past teams with well-drilled defences. Passing has looked blunt and predictive. In the later matches, team tactics have again somehow shifted to the strategy of taking the ball wide and crossing inside the box hoping that someone heads it home. Here arises the second problem.
#4 Unavailability of target man inside the box
Everybody agrees that Benzema is an excellent player but he isn't the striker Real Madrid need in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era. In the past seasons, where Karim Benzema played with the Portuguese, he was the perfect layup partner and the important piece of the Real's attacking force who connected the dot between midfield and attack letting the talisman take care of scoring duties.
He is not the fox in the box as Ronaldo used to be or what is generally expected of a traditional number 9. There are so many creative options in the midfield but it is all vain if there is no one to finish the chances.
#3 Injury hit squad
They have been unlucky when it comes to the squad availability. It is no secret that Real Madrid rely a lot on their fullbacks in attack as well. Their full-backs almost play as wingers most of the time. Both the starting fullbacks have suffered injuries early in the season.
One of Lopetegui's favourite players, Isco has been out for almost a month now. But the most obvious absence has been that of Gareth Bale who has again been in and out due to fitness issues.
#2 No counter-attacking play and poor shooting
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Real Madrid's gameplay is their counter-attacks. Even Pep Guardiola was surprised by the intensity and the speed of Real Madrid counters when they defeated Bayern in the UCL semifinals of 2014.
This aspect has been completely missing in their game. It was something that destroyed the opponents before they realised what hit them. Long range shooting has been equally poor.
#1 Players and fans haven't still gotten over the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is gone
Cristiano was very important for us because at the end he scored 50 goals a season - Nacho after defeat against Deportivo Alaves
There have statements about Cristiano Ronaldo from the Real Madrid players which suggest he is being missed by the club. The chants of Ronaldo-Ronaldo during the 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid was a clear indication that the Madrid fanbase is missing their legend. This has not been very positive for the confidence of players.
These issues have to be fixed quickly is Real Madrid want to avoid a disastrous season this time around.
