Real Madrid have to lick their wounds after the devastating 4-0 defeat in the Clasico against arch-rivals Barcelona. At the same time, the royals are – once again – fearing for their defense.
It was clear even before the Clasico that Real Madrid’s defense, which was already vulnerable in Vigo and careless in the first leg against BVB, would have to tighten up. However, there can be no talk of an improvement in view of the crushing 4-0 home defeat against Barcelona.
Personnel problems have made it difficult for Real’s back line – still a showpiece last season – to get the new season off to a good start. Even before the 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, coach Carlo Ancelotti had said: “We have to concentrate on defending better. That’s something we did very well last season. We want to give the team more security.”
It didn’t really work out that way. Barcelona’s young guns mercilessly exposed weaknesses in the defensive line on Saturday night. With center-back Antonio Rüdiger (31) and right-back Lucas Vazquez (33), who had still shone as scorers against BVB, two veterans were also unable to provide the necessary stability to the royal defense.
Mestalla and Milan are waiting
And now both are also further defensive problems for the reigning Spanish champions and Champions League winners. After the Clasico, the duo, who played the whole game, complained of muscular problems. At the beginning of the week, it will be determined whether there is any structural damage.
Ancelotti will fervently hope that this is not the case. With David Alaba (still in rehab after a cruciate ligament rupture) and Dani Carvajal (cruciate ligament rupture), two defensive pillars are already missing. Against Barcelona, only one nominal central defender, former Frankfurt player Jesus Vallejo, was on the bench. He does not have any match practice.
Further absences would come at the worst possible time. With the difficult away game at Valencia at Mestalla next Saturday and the Champions League home game against Milan on November 5, important matches await. Especially in the league, Real cannot afford any further slip-ups, now that they are six points behind Barcelona.