In a thrilling match at Etihad, Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory against Manchester City, enhancing their prospects at Santiago Bernabeu. The article highlights three key observations from the game.
Firstly, with Lucas Vasquez sidelined, midfielder Fede Valverde stepped in as right-back. This shift improved Real Madrid’s defensive solidity, a much-needed boost given the team’s struggles in that area since Dani Carvajal’s injury. Valverde excelled defensively, and while his absence in midfield posed challenges, his performance at right-back could be crucial for future high-stakes matches.
Secondly, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Marco Asensio delivered standout performances, with Tchouaméni showcasing his capabilities in a critical moment. Despite facing scrutiny earlier in the season, he proved effective in countering Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, while Asensio’s display was noted as one of his best in a Real Madrid jersey. Ferland Mendy also stepped up, highlighting the importance of individual players rising to the occasion in crucial matches.
Lastly, Real Madrid faced challenges in midfield due to Valverde’s absence. Ancelotti’s reliance on a double pivot of Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos fell short, with Ceballos fading in influence and Camavinga lacking match sharpness. Manchester City exploited this vulnerability, suggesting that Ancelotti must address these midfield deficiencies before the return leg at Bernabeu.
Overall, the article emphasizes Real Madrid’s mixed performance, with impressive defensive adjustments and standout individual efforts offset by midfield weaknesses that need addressing.
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