Real Madrid News
Penalty woes: Real Madrid have missed five of their last seven spot-kicks in La Liga
A penalty is as close as it gets to a free goal being awarded in football. Up against just the goalkeeper from 12 yards out, the striker has an xG of 0.76 from the penalty spot.
However, Real Madrid’s recent history with spot-kicks has been anything but memorable. In what comes as a horrible revelation, Los Blancos have only scored two of their last seven attempts from the penalty spot in La Liga.
Benzema was the latest guilty party for Real Madrid as he missed to find the back of the net from the penalty spot against Osasuna on Sunday, resulting in the champions’ first dropped points of the season as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Frenchman had failed to find the back of the net from 12 yards out against Celta Vigo on Matchday 30 (April 2) of the 2021/22 season before missing two attempts in a single game when Real Madrid took on Osasuna three weeks later (April 20).
Funnily enough, the next two misses came against the same opposition. Eden Hazard could not beat Celta Vigo’s Agustin Marchesin in the 87th minute of the clash earlier this season, and on Sunday, Benzema hit the woodwork against Osasuna.
The increased number of misses throws Benzema’s role as the primary spot-kick taker into doubt. However, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in his post-match press conference that he retained his faith in the striker and pointed out that Los Blancos’ poor record was limited to La Liga.
“Benzema is the best penalty taker in the squad. He scored an important one vs City last season and this won’t change.”
With their draw against Osasuna, Real Madrid fell to second place on the league standings with Barcelona ahead on goal difference. With El Clasico just around the corner, the margin for error is now very thin.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
