Real Madrid (H) | Post Match Thread

Benarbia’s Backheel said:
Unpopular opinion:
Real Madrid are better than the dippers.
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Not sure that's unpopular.
Dippers would have scored six or seven from the chances we created last night. However I don't think they have the midfield to have created the chances in the first place.
Our midfield and attack have enough to score a couple in Madrid. I just hope our defenders have the games of their lives.
 
Jogon 127 said:
Sorry mate, don’t agree.

Laporte looked to Zinny as they were on the back foot and saw Rodrygo chasing up the right wing, so he correctly continued to track Benzema. Otherwise it would have left Zinchenko with two attackers to deal with.

Vinicius was simply too good/quick for Ferdy and (Foden?) chasing in his slipstream.
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Its a tough one & yes as a football purist you have to admire the skill of Vinicius as well as naivety of Fernie in trying to win the ball knowing you've got no protection behind you as cover.

I personally think Laporte should have known better, as whilst I agree he was acutely aware of Benzema & further back Rodrygo making runs into the box as a central defender you need to deal with the immediate danger which was indeed Vinicius having a clear path to goal about to shoot. Benzema & Rodrygo were lesser priorities in this particular situation where Zin could deal with one of them and then if the balls ends up with Rodrygo there's a possibility of backup arriving by the time he gets a shot off.

In the end both Laporte & Zin end up tracking Benzema instead of one of each. I really think we need to get Walker back by hook or crook next week. Its the business end of the season & who knows when we'll next get an opportunity to get to another Champions League final - you can't take these things for granted in life & as we've see in the past this competition is more times than often about fine margins & luck rather than simply the best team playing the best football.

Its no coincidence, without out natural wing backs we were de-stabilised as a defending unit & conceded 3 goals last night. Our main strength is controlling the game but we were hesitant in defending as we weren't confident at the back. Furthermore, Walker allows us to express our passing more naturally as we know we have a release valve if the passes go astray in him hoovering them up or matching up pace wise with balls in behind us. We looked pretty nervous passing out especially from the right side knowing we didn't have that cover.

On a positive note, I thought Zin was outstanding last night. Not only did he execute his defending duties well, but was fantastic going forward & offered a lot up front & on the wing. I do like Cancelo's creativity but I have doubts on his defending abilities & I'm not sure he will fare too well against either Rodrygo or Vinicius unless Pep instructs to give him some help in defensive situations.
 
Leaving the stadium and on the way home it felt like a defeat. Looking back a great result, but we should be out of sight already, we had enough chances.
I'm purring at the prospect of Haaland and Alvarez getting on the end of the chances we create.
We need to be fully focused next week, no brain farts or lapses of concentration and we'll be heading to Paris.
 
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