Xavi frankly said Real Madrid benefits from the referee, three answers and three questions from Real Madrid 3-2 Almería
Real Madrid defeated Almería at home in LALIGA, 3-2, with a comeback from a 2-0 halftime deficit, securing the victory with practically the final pitch of the match. The match was marked by controversy surrounding the call-offs, but the true drаmа ensued in the dying moments when Dani Carvajal’s 99th-minute victor ignited chaotic celebrations following goals by Jude Bellingham and Vincius Júnior.
Three responses
How might the group respond to playing two intense games within a span of four days?
After encountering Barcelona and then Atletico Madrid for 120 minutes, this contest against the bottom team of LALIGA was always going to be difficult and a potential banana skin. Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the error of his selection, stating, “The only viable course of action was to introduce new players and alter the team’s dynamic.” Some Atlético Madrid athletes have paid for the additional time. I was required to release a revised lineup. Our assessment of the athletes’ fatigue was unsatisfactory, in my opinion. The fatigue resulting from those games was readily apparent during Real Madrid’s most lackluster 45 minutes of the season thus far, as even fitness monsters Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde appeared exhausted. It is not surprising, given the six games in 19 days and the lack of rotation.
2. Could Jude Bellingham halt his dearth of goals scored?
Yes. In the Spanish Suρer Cup final, the Englishman missed a penalty opportunity that would have allowed Vinicius Júnior to complete his hat-trιck. However, on his first penalty attempt for Real Madrid, he was not denied the ball. He dutifully converted a composed pass down the middle to bring an end to a five-match streak without scoring. However, that does not imply a lackluster performance; in fact, he has contributed to three consecutive victories with an assist, most recently delivering a desperate cross to Dani Carvajal in the final minutes to secure the victory. Although he has been performing in a more comprehensive midfield role, one that is deeper and carries greater defensive responsibilities, he once again distinguished himself for Real Madrid in this match.
3. Is this the game in which certain reserve options are to be given minutes?
According to Ancelotti, that ought to have been the situation. The triple substitution at halftime resulted in unscheduled minutes for Fran García, Brahim Díaz, and Joselu, all of whom may have felt they should have started, especially considering the impact the latter two made off the bench at the Metropolitano in the previous week. “Because of Joselu and Brahim, we altered the system,” Ancelotti explained following the match. “We attempted to play more wide and bring Bellingham closer to the penalty area, particularly with Joselu.” By virtue of Vinicius’ increased reliance on inside play, Fran García was able to advance along the flank. Camavinga and Ceballos were also significant. They demonstrated that they were capable of commencing. After a week of recuperation prior to their match against Las Palmas, they will be expecting to have established their point.
Trivial of the following three inquiries:
1. When did Real Madrid last concede so early?
Since 2015, when they defeated Real Sociedad 4-1, Real Madrid has not conceded a goal within the initial sixty seconds of an LALIGA match. At halftime, Real Madrid have not trailed by two goals without a shot on target while playing at home since records began in 2003/04. This initial 45 minutes constituted an uttеrly catastrophic first half for Real Madrid. Almería have failed to secure a victory in LALIGA this season and have incredulously only established a two-goal advantage twice this campaign, with that oddity occurring against Girona. Real Madrid were not in the zone due to fatigue and an ineffective tactical formation; they had their hands full in the second half as they attempted to overcome a deficit and secure a crucial three points.
2. Is the midfield responsible for deficiencies on defense?
Ten goals conceded in four games over the past fortnight is equivalent to the number of goals conceded in the fourteen games preceding that, which is a concerning trend for a team that has recently begun to concede goals. The much-discussed succession of goalkeepers, with Kepa beginning this game in advance of Andriy Lunin, and the midfield are the two primary explanations. Again, Nacho did not perform at his peak in this match, but the me𝚗 in front of him provided him with little protection. Midway through the week, Aurelién Tchouameni appeared sluggish and, although he has improved, is still falling behind after a stint on the sidelines. Valverde and Toni Kroos were also frequently tardy to close the gap. Managing the defensive injuries is a collaborative endeavor that is imposing a significant burden.
3. Were the call by the referee and VAR accurate?
The only topic of discussion following this encounter will be the three refereeing decisions that were overturned by VAR, all of which were in Real Madrid’s favour. Gonzalo Melero stated, “We feel like we were robbed,” Marc Pubill added, “Someone decided that we couldn’t win here today,” and coach Gaizka Garitano exclaimed, “I have no words to describe what I’ve witnessed here today.” These comments elicited enraged responses from Almería. In actuality, the majority of the decisions may be deemed justifiable. There will be much debate regarding Almería’s claim that Antonio Rüdiger committed a charge prior to the handball that earned Real Madrid a penalty, but Dion Lopy’s outstretched arm did indeed strike Bellingham in a foul. Vinicius’ shoulder goal sparked the most controversy. It is somewhat unexpecteԀ that VAR overturned the on-field decision in light of the inconclusive footage from multiple angles; however, it was Francisco Jose Hernández Maeso who altered his judgment from the field.