Real Madrid are going through a tricky period defensively, and the figures do not lie. After a start to the season marked by the absence of key players and repeated injuries, Madrid’s defence is showing worrying signs of weakness. Carlo Ancelotti, well aware of the situation, will have to find solutions quickly to restore the solidity of a team used to dominating on all fronts.
Real Madrid ended the first half of the season with major problems. Numerous injuries have affected the defensive balance of the team and Carlo Ancelotti is trying to manage, but clearly the Transalpine coach is not yet succeeding. The statistics show a marked contrast between this season and last. So far, Real Madrid have conceded 8 more goals than during the same period last season. In 26 games across all competitions, Los Merengues have conceded 29 goals, an average of just over a goal a game.
In La Liga, the first 19 games of the 2023-2024 season saw Real Madrid concede 11 goals, compared with 18 this season over the same number of games. In the Champions League, the contrast is just as striking: 7 goals conceded in the group stage last season, compared with 11 this year. While Real have managed to keep their goal intact in the European Supercup and Intercontinental Cup, the other competitions show some worrying weaknesses, particularly in key encounters.
Injuries an aggravating factor for Carlo Ancelotti
The prolonged absence of key players such as Éder Militão, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, combined with the summer departures of versatile players like Nacho Fernández, has left a void that is difficult to fill. Add to that the recurring physical problems of Aurélien Tchouaméni, often used as an emergency defensive solution. These absences have forced Ancelotti to reorganise his defensive system on numerous occasions, often bringing in less experienced players or moving midfielders to plug gaps. But these adjustments were not enough to mask the shortcomings, particularly in aerial duels and the management of opposing crosses.
One of the major problems is the difficulty in defending crosses. Of the last 5 goals conceded, 4 have come from crosses, exposing a lack of coordination and aggression in defensive phases. Opponents exploit this weakness, targeting areas where communication between Thibaut Courtois, central defenders and full-backs seems to be lacking.
🛡️ NOTRE DÉFENSE ! 🛡️#RealMadridOsasuna pic.twitter.com/PvQXsE6sdF
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇫🇷 (@realmadridfra) October 2, 2022
Ancelotti’s task for the second half of the season
For Carlo Ancelotti, the priority is clear: rebuild a solid defensive system despite the obstacles. There are a number of ways of doing this. Firstly, he needs to reinforce tactical discipline. The players need to work more on defensive transitions and covering vulnerable areas, particularly crosses. Ancelotti needs to make greater use of the versatility of the squad, although he is already doing so with Vazquez at right-back, Camavinga at left-back and Tchouameni at centre-back.
Better still, with the winter transfer window upon us, Real Madrid could look to bolster their squad with an experienced central defender to compensate for prolonged absences and provide stability. Then, the gradual reintegration of Alaba, Carvajal and Militao will be crucial to restoring a competitive defence. A few days ago, Dani Carvajal was seen working hard on his rehabilitation. Carlo Ancelotti also announced at a press conference that David Alaba should be back on the pitch as soon as the season resumes.
Leave a Reply