Real Madrid faced a surprising setback, suffering their first home defeat this season against Celta Vigo, losing 2-0 at the Estadio Bernabéu. Williot Swedberg was the star of the match, scoring both goals, including one with a backheel that impressed fans. What compounded the loss for Madrid was the red cards shown to Fran García, Álvaro Carreras, and even substitute Endrick for dissent.
Right-Back Dilemma
With key players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal out due to injury, there was speculation about who would step up as right-back. Fede Valverde, who usually fills in, showed visible frustration with the position. Coach Xabi Alonso opted for Raúl Asencio instead, who struggled to impact the game. He only managed one pass into the final third during his time on the pitch, which hindered Madrid’s offensive flow.
Rotation Questions
Xabi Alonso has been known for his rotation strategy this season. He frequently benches top players like Vinícius Júnior to keep them fresh for significant matches. However, ahead of the upcoming clash with Manchester City, he stuck primarily with his starting lineup. A small defensive rotation occurred, resting Antonio Rüdiger, but Éder Militão’s early injury forced Alonso’s hand, preventing any significant substitutions.
Home Advantage
The Bernabéu had felt like a fortress before this match. Madrid had a string of victories and Celta hadn’t won there in La Liga since 2006. The atmosphere was expected to boost the team, but the outcome turned humiliating. Despite the stadium’s improved features, the loss left fans disappointed.
Injury Woes
Éder Militão went down with a serious hamstring injury, raising concerns about its severity. Initial reports suggest it could be a significant tear, keeping him out for three to six months. This situation adds to Madrid’s growing injury list, including Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold. Militão’s recent history of injuries only adds to the club’s worries about his reliability moving forward.
Bad Luck or Poor Performance?
Swedberg’s first goal gave Celta a surprising lead, despite Real Madrid having the edge in expected goals 2.29 to 0.55. While his backheel was stunning, Madrid couldn’t capitalize on their chances against a solid Celta defense. The late goals and red cards highlighted a lack of discipline, which ultimately cost them the game.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday’s match against Manchester City is critical for Real Madrid. The pressure is mounting, especially with the crowd’s frustration evident in their boos. City, a formidable opponent, has gathered momentum recently, making this challenge even tougher. Madrid will need to shake off their recent woes and hit the ground running to regain their confidence.
In short, the defeat against Celta Vigo was a wake-up call for Real Madrid. Key injuries and a challenging fixture list could either derail or galvanize their season. It’s essential for them to regroup and find their rhythm quickly.
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