Alonso made the mistake of keeping Fran on for that period— understand why, don’t agree with it. Regardless it felt that the team is going for it and figured things out— lots of missed chances, hesitation to shoot or play line-breaking passes. Mentally just not there to keep the

That’s a penalty, no?

Camavinga for Arda Güler and Àlvaro Carreras for Fran Garcia should solve majority of issues seen. Speed-up building out of the back, finding players on pockets, closing on time and winning 2nd balls— simply cannot be at disadvantages at all times.

Unfortunately — this team moves way too slow with Arda Güler right now. Lack of athleticism and inability to get on-time at right spaces just forces the extra passes— you have to find him accurately to execute and that in itself is a real issue. Fran Garcia is not taking

Fran…. my God

Lol. What’s he supposed to do there? Chop it off?

That’s a clear goal– what a goal by Mbappé.

Holy crap what a goal Mbappé

Arda Güler has one bad habit— chasing. Whenever he sends the ball through: doesn’t move within’ the action and drag defenders with him. He prefers the other-side through which means he would be on blind-side of defences constantly: but doesn’t chase it to get there.

And Moises Caicedo lacks the brain to continue the domination— sent off for no real reason except bad decision. On a platter for Arsenal.

Hard for me to understand why Arteta is not pushing Declan Rice on Moises Caicedo— Eze is losing every duel leading to clear transitions forcing (booked) Zubimendi to clear-up. Chelsea are mitigating ARS danger in central areas and mostly Rice’s role being poorly instructed—

Enzo Fernández role here is the exact prototype of role that Xabi Alonso has to manufacture for Jude Bellingham. Freedom to drop +1 in midfield– great presence btwn-the-lines and good reading of space— also Jude’s motor should enable a better pressing and penalty box entries.

I’d like for Alonso to continue the Olympiacos set-up which was very flexible— and shape kept on changing according to the needs. Good game to bring Rüdiger back— Militão mileage been too high and changing with 3-at-back as Carreras gives that option— Jude and Camavinga can

Alonso’s team entered the away schedule on 6-1 GD and double-win over Barcelona and Valencia— w/ Anfield game starting a rollercoaster. Rayo Vallecano away was one of the worst teams to play after that— disrupted by Intl. Break and “surprise of the season” Elche immediately

Real Madrid since 1st of November: - 3 home games (Celta Vigo, Manchester City, Sevilla) - 7 away games (Liverpool, Rayo Vallecano, Elche, Olympiacos, Girona, Athletic Club and Deportivo Alaves) This is a mental and physical killer of a schedule that w/ one loss (LIV) can

Real Madrid have had 4-in-a-row away games with International Break in-between and have two more (Girona tonight, Athletic Club mid-week) to go before returning home. Their last home game was on November 1st— only to return on Dec 7th v Celta. This is a killer of schedule— lots

Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé demonstrated against Olympiacos how top-level attackers should influence the game tactically. Their impact comes from interpreting defensive behaviour, staying composed in possession, and timing their reactions to generating situations. By constantly

Federico Valverde has been Madrid’s most underwhelming performer under Xabi Alonso for plenty of reasons. Five years of plug-and-play duty have taken a real toll. RHS 8, RW, anchor, RB, transition firefighter… he’s been covering the squad’s athletic gaps for half a decade.

Rüdiger and Alaba have to go. The physical drop-off, the slower reads, the shaky distribution— massive wages, mileage, inability to remain fit. All are there. Team requires CBs with: •Real athleticism •Press-resistant ball-playing •Instant defensive recognition •Tactical

Real Madrid had a good overall showing last night — fourth/fifth CB as only available, Carreras filling + Mendy whose last match was 8 months ago– had to close the game w/ only real pivot playing there and Ceballos/Valverde pivot. Trent-Militão-Huijsen-Carreras add a whole new