Real Madrid beats Leipzig 2-1 agg

To my non existent readers, I thought I’d share just some thoughts about the game.

When I saw the first 11 announced it was surpassing, I can understand what Carlo was thinking I guess, I’m assuming by playing a 4 man midfield with Jude as almost a 2nd striker, he was banking on us being defensively solid and having more possession and domination of the ball, to really limit Leipzig from getting an early goal and making the game more nervy. Early goals have been a real problem this season. And if that was his goal it worked, just about I guess. Although it made for boring viewing and at home this isn’t something the fans would have wanted to see. Hence the seemingly poor reaction of the fans to the half time whistle.

I’m glad Carlo was able to make the change at half time, I would always hope that Real Madrid, especially at home would strive to play attractive football.

Some notes

Valverde was again covering so much ground, I like him in the elite, knockout, final games on that RW, he provides so much help to Carvajal, however it does weaken our attack as the threat in this game from the RW was almost non existent, once Rodrygo came on, we had a bit more success on the right, but I wouldn’t say it was overwhelmingly great. I think Fede on the RW in a 4-3-3 worked when we had Benzema in the team to lead us, without Benz I worry Fede on the RW will leave us too weak in attack.

Vini was pretty good tonight I thought, he was the only real threat we had, Bellingham provided some magic for the goal but otherwise he spent most of the game having to defend and track back, which he was good at. Vini scored a great goal. I’m trusting him more and more in front of the goal now.

I liked the Modric substitute, and I really like having Modric in the squad for these types of games, he is still able to contribute greatly in the most important games of the season. And I thought we looked much more creative around the box when Modric was on the pitch, he looks for those killer through balls which unfortunately a lot of times our other midfielders don’t see or play.

Rudiger was great tonight I thought

Mendy and Carvajal were average I’d say tonight. Especially Carvajal who didn’t contribute anything to the attack

Brahim diaz should be starting over Rodrygo

Important to qualify of course but I’m worried if we get Liverpool or Man city in the next round, and possibly even Arsenal could be a major threat, we have improved on last season but I’m not sure we have closed the gap to City so much yet. However I do think in a 1 of game, we can beat anyone in the world.