Real Madrid News
Crvena Zvezda star takes a dig at Real Madrid after losing to Barcelona – ‘At least we scored more goals’
Crvena Zvezda midfielder Timi Elsnik did not hold back after his side’s recent 2-5 loss to Barcelona, using the outcome to poke fun at Real Madrid.
Despite his team’s defeat, Elsnik took satisfaction in noting that Crvena Zvezda managed to score two goals against Barcelona—a feat that Real Madrid could not achieve in their recent clash with Barça.
His comment comes as a reminder of Real Madrid’s frustrating night in El Clasico, where they walked away scoreless.
A jibe at Real Madrid
Elsnik’s remarks highlight Real Madrid’s current struggles, which seem to extend beyond just one disappointing Clasico match.
“We have to congratulate Barça for the victory, they have some of the best players in the world. We tried to compete, but at least we can say that we scored more goals against Barça than Real Madrid,” he said after the game as quoted by SPORT.
Their issues were on full display again during their recent match against AC Milan. The team appeared out of sync, lacking the cohesion needed to compete at the highest level. The result was a disheartening 1-3 defeat, adding to a sense of unease around the club.
The effects of these performances are becoming increasingly visible on the league tables. Real Madrid, a club accustomed to competing at the top, now finds itself slipping in La Liga.
While they still have time to recover, their Champions League standings paint a bleak picture. With only six points from four matches, they sit in an unfamiliar 18th position. For a team that prides itself on European success, this position is a stark contrast to their usual form.
The comparison with Crvena Zvezda’s performance may sting, but Real Madrid fans are likely more concerned with the larger picture.
They expect their club to stand strong in both domestic and European competitions, and recent setbacks have raised doubts. Ancelotti faces pressure to bring consistency and focus back to the squad, as both fans and critics grow concerned over the team’s form.
After three successive wins to start the season, a 1-0 loss to Real Betis came as a reality check for Real Madrid, who are still some way off matching the quality and consistency of Barcelona.
In light of the defeat, the Real Madrid coaching staff is analysing the best way to get the most out of the current setup.
More expected from Valverde
According to Defensa Central, one of the key conclusions drawn from the Betis defeat is that Real Madrid need greater involvement from Federico Valverde with the ball.
The Uruguayan has been deployed as the pivot, largely due to the absence of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni, but he is yet to make the step up in quality the team requires from that role.
While his effort and commitment are never in doubt, Mourinho and his staff, led by Sami Khedira, feel Valverde spends too much time positioned behind the opposition’s midfield line.
As a result, he fails to offer passing lanes to his teammates when they are under pressure, forcing them into hurried, aimless clearances rather than playing out cleanly from the back.
That concern has already been communicated to Valverde, who is still adapting to a position he has never truly played, making the challenge all the more difficult for him.
A collective issue to fix
However, the problem is not Valverde’s alone, with the coaching staff identifying a wider issue in the team’s structure.
Khedira has reportedly noted a certain passivity from the attackers in the videos of the match, particularly Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, when it comes to offering themselves as the ball transitions from midfield into attacking areas.
That lack of movement compounds the difficulties for the deeper midfielders.
Mourinho, for his part, remains unfazed by the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, insisting his squad has the tools to cope.
“I’m not missing Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality,” the Portuguese said, before adding that he backs his ability to improve players.
With a Champions League opener against Inter Milan on the horizon, Mourinho and his staff will be keen to iron out these issues quickly.
