Real Madrid concluded the first half of the season with a commanding victory over Sevilla, showcasing their resilience and depth. As we reach the halfway point of the 2024-2025 season, our editorial team offers insights and player ratings reflecting the performances witnessed thus far.
The season began with cautious optimism for Real Madrid, but it quickly morphed into a test of character as defensive vulnerabilities emerged. Thibaut Courtois has been pivotal in this regard, with 23 matches under his belt, conceding just 20 goals while making an impressive 67 saves. His ability to step up during critical moments has been essential for the team, especially in matches where defensive lapses could have led to heavier defeats, notably against Liverpool.
Goalkeeping Standouts
Courtois earns a remarkable rating of 9 for his contributions. In contrast, Andriy Lunin, who has only featured in two matches and conceded five goals, receives a solid score of 6.5. Although his playing time has been limited, Lunin’s standout performance against Talavera in the Copa del Rey highlighted his potential and decisiveness when called upon.
Dani Carvajal‘s situation remains unfortunate; he has only appeared in eight matches due to recurring injuries and is not rated. His early-season form was promising as he returned from a serious knee injury, but luck has not been on his side. David Alaba also finds himself sidelined with just four appearances this season, which further complicates the squad’s depth.
Defensive Resilience
Éder Militão has emerged as a beacon of consistency for Real Madrid’s defense, earning an impressive score of 8 after participating in 16 matches. His performances have exceeded expectations, establishing him as the team’s most reliable defender until his recent injury setback. Meanwhile, new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled to find his footing due to injuries; he has made only 11 appearances and receives a disappointing rating of 4.
Raúl Asensio has had an interesting trajectory this season. After a lackluster showing at the Club World Cup and starting as a lesser option under coach Xabi Alonso, he has surprisingly become one of the team’s most utilized players with 17 appearances at mid-season. His evolution is noteworthy given the competition for places in the squad.
As we look ahead, Real Madrid must address its defensive frailties while maintaining its attacking prowess. With key players like Courtois leading by example, there is hope that the second half of the season will bring more stability and success.
The pressing question remains: can Real Madrid tighten its defense enough to challenge for silverware come May? With upcoming fixtures set to test their mettle further, fans will be watching closely as the team looks to build on its mid-season momentum.
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