Real Madrid News
Once untouchable now questioned as Real Madrid midfielder’s decline continues
Eduardo Camavinga’s current situation at Real Madrid is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Once spoken about as a cornerstone of the club’s future midfield, someone who can be the leader in the post-Modric-Kroos era, the Frenchman now finds himself in a far less secure position.
What was meant to be a season of consolidation has instead turned into a worrying slide, one that has left supporters questioning his role and influence.
After struggling to find rhythm for much of the campaign, Camavinga was handed a starting role against Levante.
It was seen as an opportunity to reset, to show authority and remind everyone of his qualities. Instead, the first half quickly turned into a nightmare.
He looked overwhelmed, short on ideas, and disconnected from the tempo of the match. Understandably, his performance raised serious concerns.
A disgruntled performance
The lack of impact was so evident that Alvaro Arbeloa did not hesitate to act.
Camavinga was substituted at half-time, with Arda Guler introduced in his place. The contrast was immediate and painful.
Where Camavinga had slowed the game, Guler injected urgency, verticality, and imagination. The match shifted the moment the Turk stepped onto the pitch.
With Camavinga on the field, Real Madrid looked flat and predictable. The ball moved side to side with little penetration.
He avoided risk, opting to retain possession rather than attempt forward passes that could break lines.
Defensively, his contribution was minimal. He rarely won the ball back and failed to impose himself physically or tactically.
Against a Levante side that did not aggressively press him, Camavinga still appeared unsure and hesitant, as if lost within his own role.
What about the numbers?
On paper, the statistics paint a far kinder picture than the reality, as he completed 42 of his 49 passes, an accuracy rate of 86%.
In the opponent’s half, he found a teammate with 28 of 33 passes (85%), while in his own half he completed 14 of 16 (88%). He even registered a shot on target.
But numbers alone do not tell the full story. Several careless losses of possession stood out, including one that directly led to a dangerous free kick just outside Real Madrid’s penalty area.
This is what makes Camavinga’s decline so alarming. The talent is still there, but the authority, confidence and influence appear to be fading.
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.
