Allow me to Ari Gold this thread like you've never seen before. Keep in mind, I woke up to the Madrid Derby after working overnight and sacrificing sleep to do so. Also remember the day got better when my beloved Arizona Wildcats lost to Utah for the first time since '98.
First, Florentino Perez. What made you think hiring Rafa Benitez in June was a good idea? Sure, he managed well at Napoli but Real Madrid is a whole different culture than securing Coppa Italias. This dude couldn't even defeat Porto in Europa League. From the start, it was clear the hire was a head-scratcher. The players DID NOT respect Rafa. He's simply not strong enough a manager currently to handle the superstar egos and personalities that maraud the RM dressing room. This ain't '05 LFC, buddy boy. Ultimately, this blunder by Flo cost the domestic title, not to mention the embarrassment of accepting Copa del Rey expulsion.
What increases Madridistas' anger is despite understandable pressure, Carlo Ancelotti did not have to be sacked in May. La Decima, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club WC. Not enough? Now I get most of RM's success under Carlo's tenure came in 2014, which can feel like an eternity for urgent football supporters. But a second-place domestic finish, falling only 2 points behind Barca is far from shameful. +80 GD to boot. Most importantly, "El Capo" had the locker room. The majority of RM players respected and believed in Carletto's tactics. Major reason so many trophies were secured in the '13-'14 campaign.
Instead, money flushed directly down the toilet. It's rumored Rafa's buyout cost Florentino 7M pounds, equivalent to 32,500 pounds per day he was short-lived RM boss. Barely lasted half a campaign.
But let's pretend I'm forgiving and move on. Today's match, everyone knows the premise: RM a wide 9 points back of Barca, must-win situation. I saw desperation and urgency for the first 5 minutes of the match. Relentlessly attacking and coming forward in an attempt to throw Cholo's boys off guard. Perfect strategy from Zizou. Don't let Atleti settle down and get comfortable. Once that back four is entrenched and communicating on all wavelengths, trouble for the opponent. Allow me to break down match analysis by position.
Keeper:
Keylor Navas is not the reason RM is sitting third in La Liga, a probable 12 points back by tomorrow's end. He definitely felt slighted by the DDG transfer rumors, paperwork blunder, etc. Navas played well against Atleti. Expected textbook save on Griezmann's first-half chance. Aggressively punched a cross coming off his line shortly after. No gripes with his decision-making. Koke ALMOST beat him near post to his left but Keylor recovered nicely. Kept us in the match first half, holding things scoreless.
Not much he could have done on Griezmann's second-half goal. That's on the center-backs (Ramos, Varane) more than the keeper. Quieter second half of action for Navas besides the Atleti goal and I believe he made another routine save on a half-chance from Griezmann.
Center-Backs:
My biggest issue with the defense, which ultimately cost the match was the Griezmann goal. Against the run of play. Let me explain why. Griezmann's on the ball countering. Ramos and Varane literally roll out the red carpet for him like he's being introduced at the Oscars. They let Griezmann continue taking space and dribbling to his left, pass to Filipe Luis, right back to the Frenchman for the winner. From memory, Ramos was in better position to step/challenge than Varane. You have to commit and cut off the ball. Griezmann was dancing towards our 18 like Derek Hough. Look how far away Varane is from Griezmann when he attempts to half-block the left-footed shot from the Atleti player.
Outside-Backs:
@RoOk posted being unhappy about Danilo. I'm not, at least for today. Has he lived up to his 22.6M-pound fee? Of course not, not yet. And hopefully he doesn't have fitness issues like Coentrao did after a large move from Benfica. Let's keep a few things in mind. Danilo was playing out of position. He's a natural RB, playing off his weaker left foot. I recall it being only his third time starting at LB this domestic campaign for RM. Getafe being one of the other fixtures. In my opinion, he defended well when needed and got increasingly aggressive when it became apparent we badly needed an equalizer in the second half. Came fairly close to drawing a penalty on the left side of the box on Gabi. Wasn't deserving of a penalty and I'm not asking for it. Made a deep run in the closing minutes connecting with Jese and letting off a left-footed shot that wasn't a half bad chance. Showed toughness when he needed to when Correa made a very reckless challenge in the air.
Carvajal didn't get up the pitch enough for me. Especially in the second half. Juanfran was on a yellow and Carvajal put him under no pressure whatsoever. Nor did he whip in any memorable crosses. When Marcelo is fully fit, he should reclaim LB and flip Danilo back to his natural RB position. Carvajal can sit. He stresses me sometimes too with the untidy, risky back passes and dribbling into the corner of our defensive third.
Midfielders:
Luka was decent today. Switched fields when the time called. Moved the ball, pulled some strings at times. To his credit, we dominated the run of play throughout. Just failed to capitalize and create enough tangible goal-scoring opportunities. Atleti just continually absorbs pressure and onslaughts without becoming fazed one bit. I mean, RM owned nearly 70% possession and registered six more shots (15 total).
Toni Kroos was a ghost on the pitch. At one point I became so frustrated. He lost the ball from a defender in behind on the left side of our defensive third, and looked like he almost just wanted to throw his hands up. No, keep playing and retrieve the ball.
Attackers:
Isco literally had the same impact I did from my couch. Like did you even play? When subbed off, his shirt was whiter than
Coupé It
's favorite pastime. All that potential, dribbling, dancing with the ball, creativity. Nope, didn't see it this morning.
James still doesn't look completely up to speed. Be it the Fall thigh injury or otherwise. He was a step too slow on everything. Delayed pass, hesitant run. This doesn't feel like James in Brasil for Colombia.
Benzema did OK for the first half. Applied pressure early in the match when Real Madrid was being extremely hyperactive. Haven't seen details about his knock, guessing a muscle problem or a hip relapse. Not even gonna comment on Borja or Lucas Vazquez. Too green, especially Mayoral. Just not ready to make an influence in such a big moment.
Saved the best for last. Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldo. My guy, idol. Favorite athlete of all-time by far over Rafa Nadal, Allen Iverson, and Terrell Owens. The post-match comments were an accumulation of pent-up frustration. The realization dawning: No trophies last year and very possible RM secures none this campaign either. In relation to the specific Madrid Derby, no Bale or Marcelo then Benz goes off at the half. Cristiano just turned 31 in February and I think he realizes his window of ELITE European football is likely less than 4 more years. What I saw from the match today: 5 chances. Right-footed and left-footed shot in the first half, both off target. Two headers in the second half. The first, lacked placement but had pace. The second, lacked pace. Very difficult cross to handle and do something with. Lastly, the shot in the box coming from Oblak's left. Difficult angle and far from a routine finish. Take an extra touch and the Godin/Gimenez will close space and suffocate you immediately. Wasn't a rushed shot, just pushed wide in the space to Oblak's right he did not quite have covered.
Sorry guys
