Player Performances Under Scrutiny After Bernabéu Boos

Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey Debacle: A Player-by-Player Performance Review

The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a disappointing Copa del Rey exit for Real Madrid, punctuated by audible boos directed at the team following their defeat. While collective responsibility lies with the entire squad and coaching staff, individual performances inevitably come under scrutiny in the aftermath of such a setback. This analysis delves into the contributions, or lack thereof, from each Real Madrid player involved in the match, evaluating their impact on the game and assigning a performance rating.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian goalkeeper, typically a reliable presence, had a mixed evening. While he made a few crucial saves to prevent the scoreline from becoming more embarrassing, he could arguably have done better on at least one of the goals conceded. His distribution was also less precise than usual, contributing to the team’s struggles to build attacks from the back. Rating: 6/10

Dani Carvajal: The veteran right-back struggled to contain the opposition’s attacking threat down his flank. He was often caught out of position, leaving space for crosses and through balls. His attacking contributions were also minimal, offering little support to the forward line. Carvajal’s performance highlighted a potential weakness in Madrid’s defensive setup. Rating: 5/10

Éder Militão: The Brazilian center-back displayed moments of strong defending, making several important tackles and interceptions. However, he was also culpable in the concession of at least one goal, failing to adequately track his runner. His passing out from the back was generally accurate, but he lacked the composure and leadership required to organize the defense effectively. Rating: 6/10

David Alaba: Partnering Militão in central defense, Alaba also had an unconvincing performance. His positioning was questionable at times, and he was beaten in the air on a couple of occasions. While his passing range and ability to step into midfield are usually assets, they were not effectively utilized on this occasion. Alaba’s lack of pace was also exposed by the opposition’s quick attackers. Rating: 5/10

Ferland Mendy: The French left-back offered more defensive stability than Carvajal on the opposite flank. However, his attacking contributions were limited, and he rarely ventured forward to support Vinícius Júnior. Mendy’s primary focus was on containing the opposition’s winger, but he struggled to prevent crosses from reaching dangerous areas. Rating: 6/10

Midfield

Toni Kroos: The German maestro struggled to impose his usual control on the midfield. His passing accuracy was uncharacteristically low, and he failed to dictate the tempo of the game. Kroos was also outmuscled in several challenges, highlighting a lack of physicality in midfield. His substitution in the second half was perhaps overdue. Rating: 4/10

Luka Modrić: Like Kroos, Modrić also failed to replicate his usual high standards. He was less influential than usual, struggling to create chances and break down the opposition’s defense. His energy levels appeared to be lower than normal, and he was unable to track back effectively to support the defense. The Croatian’s age is perhaps starting to show in these high-intensity matches. Rating: 5/10

Eduardo Camavinga: Starting in midfield, Camavinga showed glimpses of his potential, making some incisive passes and driving runs. However, he also lacked consistency and made several errors in possession. His defensive contribution was solid, but he needs to improve his decision-making in the final third. Camavinga’s performance was a mixture of promise and frustration. Rating: 6/10

Aurélien Tchouaméni: Brought on as a substitute, Tchouaméni added some much-needed physicality to the midfield. He made several important tackles and interceptions, disrupting the opposition’s attacks. However, his passing was often too safe, and he failed to provide the creative spark needed to unlock the defense. Rating: 6/10

Attack

Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian winger was one of Real Madrid’s few bright sparks, showcasing his pace, skill, and trickery. He created several chances for himself and his teammates, but was often let down by poor finishing. Vinícius was also targeted by some robust challenges, but he refused to be intimidated. His performance was a testament to his determination and talent, even if his finishing wasn’t at its best. Rating: 7/10

Karim Benzema: The captain and talisman had a disappointing evening. He was largely anonymous, failing to make an impact on the game. His movement was sluggish, his touch was heavy, and his finishing was wayward. Benzema’s lack of form is a major concern for Real Madrid, as they rely heavily on his goals and creativity. Rating: 4/10

Rodrygo: Replacing Benzema, Rodrygo injected some much-needed energy into the attack. He made some intelligent runs and created a couple of decent opportunities. However, he lacked the clinical edge needed to convert those chances into goals. Rodrygo’s performance was an improvement on Benzema’s, but he still needs to find more consistency. Rating: 6/10

Federico Valverde: Coming on as a substitute, Valverde failed to make a significant impact. He was unable to get into the game and struggled to create any meaningful chances. His energy and work rate were commendable, but his end product was lacking. Rating: 5/10

Managerial Tactics and Substitutions

Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup was questionable, with the midfield looking disjointed and lacking creativity. His decision to start both Kroos and Modrić appeared to be a mistake, as they were both outrun and outmuscled by the opposition’s midfielders. The substitutions made were too late to have a significant impact, and the team lacked a clear plan B when their initial approach failed. Ancelotti must take responsibility for the team’s poor performance and address the underlying issues quickly. The lack of tactical flexibility and the over-reliance on aging players are becoming increasingly concerning.

The Bernabéu’s Reaction

The audible boos from the Bernabéu crowd reflected the fans’ frustration and disappointment with the team’s performance. Real Madrid supporters have high expectations, and they are not afraid to voice their displeasure when those expectations are not met. The boos served as a clear message to the players and the manager that improvements are needed, and that the team must show more fight and determination in future matches. The pressure is now on Ancelotti and his squad to turn things around quickly and restore the fans’ faith.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Real Madrid

The Copa del Rey defeat was a major setback for Real Madrid, exposing several weaknesses in their team. The aging midfield struggled to control the game, the defense looked vulnerable, and the attack lacked sharpness. Ancelotti’s tactical decisions were also questionable, and the team appeared to lack a clear plan B. The boos from the Bernabéu crowd served as a wake-up call, and the team must respond quickly to address their issues and restore the fans’ faith. The performance of key players like Benzema and Kroos is a major concern, and Ancelotti must find a way to get them back to their best. The Copa del Rey exit is a reminder that Real Madrid cannot afford to rest on their laurels, and that they must continue to evolve and improve if they want to compete for major trophies.

FAQ

Why were Real Madrid booed off the pitch?

Real Madrid were booed off the pitch due to their disappointing performance and elimination from the Copa del Rey. The fans at the Bernabéu expressed their frustration with the team’s lack of effort, poor tactics, and overall lackluster display against their rivals. The high expectations of the Madrid faithful were not met, leading to the audible jeers.

Who were the worst performers for Real Madrid in the match?

Several players had subpar performances. Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić struggled to control the midfield and lacked their usual creativity. Karim Benzema was largely anonymous in attack and failed to make an impact. The defensive pairing of Éder Militão and David Alaba also looked vulnerable and contributed to the goals conceded.

What tactical changes could Ancelotti make to improve the team’s performance?

Ancelotti could consider several tactical adjustments. He might need to integrate younger, more energetic players into the midfield to provide more dynamism and physicality. Experimenting with different attacking formations and providing more support to Vinícius Júnior could also improve the team’s offensive output. Stricter defensive organization and better communication are crucial for preventing future collapses.

Is Karim Benzema’s form a major concern for Real Madrid?

Yes, Karim Benzema’s recent form is a significant concern. As the team’s captain and main goalscorer, his lack of goals and overall impact on games is impacting Real Madrid’s attacking threat. If he doesn’t rediscover his scoring touch soon, the team’s chances of success in other competitions will be significantly diminished.

How will this Copa del Rey defeat affect Real Madrid’s season?

The Copa del Rey defeat is a setback, but it doesn’t necessarily define their entire season. However, it serves as a wake-up call and highlights areas that need immediate improvement. The team needs to regroup, address their weaknesses, and focus on their remaining objectives in La Liga and the Champions League. The psychological impact of the defeat could be significant, and it’s crucial for Ancelotti to motivate the players and restore their confidence.