Real Madrid have always been a team that thrives on excellence, and under Carlo Ancelotti, they have continued to push towards greatness.
However, this season has presented some challenges, and the team has yet to fully reach the level expected of them. While they remain competitive in all competitions, there are areas that Ancelotti must address to bring Real Madrid back to their very best.
Below are three key areas where improvements are needed for the team to return to their peak performance.
Improved intensity and performance in the first half
One of the major concerns for Real Madrid this season has been their lack of intensity in the first halves of games.
The team has managed to score only four first-half goals in all competitions so far, which is far below the standard expected of a club like Madrid.
Even more worrying is the fact that up until their ninth game, they had only scored once in the first half, courtesy of Rodrygo on the opening day.
Ancelotti has been working on getting the team to start matches with more determination and energy, but this remains a work in progress.
The challenge now is for Real Madrid to consolidate this improvement and consistently impose themselves on games right from the beginning.
The lack of early goals has put pressure on the team to chase results in the second half, which is not a sustainable strategy.
Ancelotti must find a way to get his players to come out of the blocks with the right intensity, control possession, and put their opponents under pressure early on.
Achieve defensive solidity and compactness
Another pressing issue is the team’s defensive structure. Real Madrid have been allowing their opponents too much freedom in attack, with many teams getting off too many shots on target.
Despite Ancelotti’s emphasis on being more compact and closing the spaces between the lines, there are still too many gaps in their formation.
The coordination between the forwards, midfielders, and defenders needs to improve if they are to reduce the number of chances they are conceding.
To put things into perspective, Madrid have only kept four clean sheets in the 11 matches they have played this season, excluding the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta. While this is not a dire situation, it does highlight the need for improvement.
Teams like Stuttgart, Mallorca, and Atletico Madrid have all managed to take advantage of Real Madrid’s defensive lapses, with each of them registering several shots on target.
Ancelotti has repeatedly stressed the importance of compactness, and by this, he means the entire team needs to move as a unit. If the forwards press high, the midfield and defence must push up to support them, closing the space between the lines.
Similarly, if the defence is under pressure, the forwards need to drop back and help cover the gaps. This coordinated effort will ensure that there are fewer spaces for the opposition to exploit, which is crucial for Real Madrid to regain their defensive strength.
Get the attack firing again
Real Madrid’s attack has been inconsistent this season, with several key players not yet firing on all cylinders. Vinicius Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has not been at his best in recent matches.
Rodrygo, another vital piece of the attack, has struggled to find form. Despite playing 12 matches this season, he has only scored three goals and has been inconsistent in front of goal.
Beyond the statistics, Rodrygo has also appeared to lack confidence and sharpness, which is a concern for a team that relies on its forward line to deliver.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe has also faced some challenges. Although he has found the back of the net seven times, his overall play has not been as impactful as expected.
The forward often looks isolated and out of sync with the rest of the team. While he is adjusting to the role of a centre-forward, there is still room for improvement in his movement and link-up play.
Ancelotti must work on integrating him more effectively into the team’s attack, as his full potential has yet to be unlocked.
Lastly, Jude Bellingham, who was expected to bring a goal threat from midfield, is yet to score this season. While his performances have been solid, Real Madrid will need contributions from all areas of the pitch if they are to be successful in the long run.
Conclusion
It is no secret that Ancelotti has a talented squad at his disposal, but there are clear areas where improvements are needed if Real Madrid are to return to their best.
Increasing intensity in the first half, tightening up defensively, and getting the attack firing again are all crucial to their success.
Ancelotti’s experience and tactical know-how will be key in addressing these issues, and with time, Real Madrid can regain their place among Europe’s elite. The potential is there, but it is now a matter of executing on the pitch.