Real Madrid have been on a good run of form after their win over Chelsea.
Before the UEFA Super Cup match against Atalanta, Real Madrid concluded their 2024 summer tour with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the United States.
Nearly 62,000 fans at Bank of America Stadium showed strong support for Real Madrid. After two losses against Milan and Barcelona during their U.S. tour, Real finally tasted victory.
Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz scored for Los Blancos, with the rest of the stars also playing actively to prepare for the upcoming match against Atalanta next week.
Real Madrid played with higher intensity and speed compared to their matches against Milan and Barcelona. In this match, some reserve and young stars like Endrick, Arda Guler, and Jesus Vallejo were rested, while regular starters like Vinicius and Rodrygo were included in the lineup from the beginning. Brahim Diaz was named MVP of the match. The Moroccan winger scored a goal and provided an assist. However, before Diaz directly contributed to the goals, the ball was passed from Vinicius and Rodrygo. In both of Real Madrid’s goals, Vinicius and Rodrygo dropped deep into midfield to gain control of the ball, creating space for Diaz to run into.
This might offer some insights for Carlo Ancelotti on how to use Kylian Mbappe and Endrick in the upcoming season.
A new face appeared in the match against Chelsea: Mario Martin. The 20-year-old midfielder debuted in the summer tour against Milan but seemed overwhelmed. However, Ancelotti continued to trust Martin and gave him more opportunities. The Italian coach was finally rewarded.
Playing in the midfield, Martin was very active in regaining possession whenever the team lost control. His energy greatly supported veteran Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos. In the second half, Martin also had a dangerous shot that nearly increased the score to 3-1.
Real Madrid’s coaching staff views Mario Martin and Nico Paz as young stars from the Castilla academy who could join the first team in the 2024-2025 season. As Barcelona capitalizes on its resources from La Masia, Real Madrid is determined not to fall behind.
The future of Andriy Lunin is a topic of discussion following the win against Chelsea. Since returning from injury, Thibaut Courtois has reclaimed his position as the starting goalkeeper, even appearing in all three friendly matches in the U.S. The Belgian goalkeeper has consistently performed well and justified his selection.
If Lunin decides to stay and wait for opportunities like last season, Ancelotti can be fully confident in the quality of his goalkeeping options. Currently, most major clubs with ambition have stabilized their goalkeeping personnel, so if Lunin leaves the Bernabeu, he might struggle to find a suitable destination.
“Last season, Lunin played quite a few matches and still wants to maintain that level of participation in the upcoming season. In terms of career development, he must decide his own path.
As for me, Lunin is always a very good goalkeeper. He deserves the best,” Thibaut Courtois shared after the win against Chelsea.