Real Madrid News
Ancelotti has decided on Real Madrid’s attacking trident for RB Leipzig clash
Karim Benzema’s injury in the UEFA Champions League clash against Celtic was seen as a major worry for Real Madrid given the lack of a natural backup in the No. 9 role at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal.
However, the performance earlier today against RCD Mallorca in La Liga will have eased a lot of nerves among the fanbase. Without Benzema on board, Los Blancos thrashed their visitors 4-1, riding on the brilliance of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Federico Valverde.
Eden Hazard had started as the No. 9 in Benzema’s absence after scoring against Celtic. However, the Belgian did not have the most effective outing on Sunday afternoon. Following his substitution, Rodrygo moved into the centre-forward slot and sparked things into life.
The Brazilian was brilliant playing through the middle as he set Vinicius up for a goal before scoring one himself with a brilliant strike.
Following his performance, MARCA (h/t Madrid Zone) is now reporting that Ancelotti has decided to start Rodrygo as the No. 9 ahead of Eden Hazard when Real Madrid face RB Leipzig in the Champions League next week.
With Rodrygo moving into a central role, Ancelotti plans to deploy Valverde out on the right flank against the Bundesliga giants. And Vinicius is a permanent fixture on the left flank, given his form and importance to the team.
Ancelotti praised Rodrygo’s performance playing through the middle against Mallorca, saying: “In the second half we did better when Rodrygo was striker, he combined well with Vinicius.”
So, unless something changes in the next couple of days, it seems like Real Madrid will line up with the attacking trident of Valverde, Rodrygo and Vinicius against RB Leipzig, with Hazard dropping down to the bench.
The trio was on target on Sunday afternoon and Madridistas will hope for them to carry on in the same vein of form in Europe.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
Jose
September 12, 2022 at 11:20 am
That’s good but I thing the coach must give more game time to Hazard
Yoni
September 12, 2022 at 3:12 pm
Ancelotti should let him play another 20min like vini and rodrygo and he would score GIVE HIM TIME
Sesan Odesanya
September 13, 2022 at 10:04 am
It was always going to be a bad experiment with Hazard playing a false 9 role as it was during the el classico friendly. Rodrygo had always been a number 9 before coming to Spain although with s different characteristics to Benzema.