#3 Casemiro was sorely missed
Despite the club president Florentino Perez stressing on the fact that they don’t need to make any new signings as it is “impossible to improve this squad”, Real Madrid may find it hard to cope in the absence of their midfield anchor Casemiro, as they did in this game.
The Brazilian was given an extended break by coach Zidane after his exertions in the World Cup qualifiers, but his absence was sorely felt as Madrid were caught off guard on numerous occasions late in the game and conceded two unnecessary goals.
Casemiro rose to prominence in the side last season and adds cover to the back four.
Without him, Madrid have serious problems at the back – as against Osanua – and the president’s parsimony may come back to bite them whenever Casemiro doesn’t play, as they have a transfer ban which does not allow them to make new signings until Jan 2018.
