Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid star criticises team after loss to Benfica: ‘Won’t be solved in a day’
Speaking on Cadena SER, former Real Madrid player turned commentator Alvaro Benito voiced his criticism of the team, following the shock 4-2 defeat to Benfica last night in the UEFA Champions League.
The Merengues suffered a disappointing defeat that saw them drop from third to ninth in the Champions League standings, meaning they will not directly qualify for the Round of 16 and will have to play an additional playoff round.
It was the second defeat that Real Madrid have suffered under the tenure of new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso at the helm of affairs earlier this month.
Alvaro Benito’s criticism
Talking about the performance from his former club, Benito was critical saying that this Real Madrid team was found wanting in several aspects of their game.
“Real Madrid have once again highlighted the problems that have been with them for a long time when they have been pushed,” said Benito.
“When the level rises, they are not up to it at the moment. They have lacked collective tools in terms of legs, grit, competitiveness… In duels, they have been run over,” he added.
Benito went on to state that apart from Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois, the rest of the team had been found wanting and must improve collectively.
“Mbappe, like Courtois, are players who stand out from the crowd and will perform well individually regardless of how the matches go,” he said.
“Collectively, it has been a test where you realise what you need to improve to be competitive at the highest level. The team needs to press harder and more consistently. Vinicius and Mbappe need to get the ball more often.”
However, Benito did insist that Arbeloa was not at blame for the result and that Real Madrid’s problems will take some time to be solved.
“This can’t be solved in a day, and we can’t hold Arbeloa responsible yet. Although the team has been making progress, it still has a way to go to reach the highest level,” he concluded.
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.
