Real Madrid’s midfield woes continue despite victory over Valladolid
Real Madrid might have secured all three points against Real Valladolid on Sunday night, but the reigning Spanish champions still have plenty to work on in the midfield.
Real Madrid made headlines for all the wrong reasons after their opening La Liga fixture against Mallorca ended in a lackluster 1-1 draw. Even with a front three of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and new signing, Kylian Mbappe, Los Blancos managed just five shots on target.
Plus, the starting midfield trio of Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham only created three chances combined against a side that finished in 15th place last season. To make matters worse, Bellingham picked up an injury in training that will likely sideline him for the next month.
19-year-old Arda Guler got the nod to start in the England international’s place in Real Madrid’s first home match of the 2024/25 La Liga season, slotting in as the No. 10 just in front of Tchouameni and Valverde.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad picked up all three points against the newly promoted Valladolid in front of a packed Santiago Bernabeu, but there are still pressing and concerning question marks over the midfield.
Real Madrid came out flat against Valladolid, looking much like the team that could only generate one goal against Mallorca. Even with a new addition to the side, Ancelotti’s midfield lacked the creativity and control they enjoyed for so many years, led by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
The defending European champions played with no real tempo or urgency in the first half, failing to create clear goalscoring opportunities or generate much of an attack against Valladolid’s low block. When they did link up with Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., or Rodrygo, the forwards were left to do all the work on their own without any clever balls or cutting runs from their supporting cast.
The midfield was more accurate in their passing, avoiding lazy giveaways that plagued them last weekend, but had little to show for it when the whistle blew at the half.
Valverde got his side on the scoresheet with his free kick in the 50th minute, and much of the first half’s woes were forgotten, especially when substitutes Brahim and Endrick found the back of the net to seal the game.
Against superior opponents, though, Real Madrid’s midfield will continue to struggle if they cannot find the correct formula to create space and play through the middle as they await the return of Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.