A Real Madrid loaded with substitutes, with only two starters compared to the classic, Tchouaméni and Nacho, took the game out of San Sebastián in another strictly defensive exercise culminated in the first half with a goal from Arda Güler, the Turk’s second goal in the championship by taking advantage of a great pass from Carvajal in one of the few approaches by the whites to Remiro’s goal.
That Ancelotti is only thinking about Munich was very clear, with Rüdiger, Bellingham, Kroos, Valverde or Vinícius on the bench. Also, that the B unit is committed to that supportive attitude that the team demonstrated in Manchester, where no one dribbled an effort in running after the ball.
The match was played under a strong rainstorm, which made playing football more difficult than normal. La Real is fighting to sneak into the Europa League, but it is no longer the team with the spark of the first part of the season. Imanol’s men moved at the pace of their midfielders and had their most incisive men in Kubo and Barrene, but it was difficult for them to find a gap in the dense white defense, where Kepa returned to the goal and did not give a feeling of security.
A shot by Kubo and another high by Turrientes was the highlight of Real in the first half. After Güler’s goal against Real, a goal by Kubo was annulled due to a foul by Barrene on Tchouaméni that was detected by the VAR and confirmed by Munuera Montero after consulting the monitor on the field.
The second half began with a shot from Turrientes and a great save from Kepa that prevented a tie. The play was not continued by Real and Madrid began to control the game much more comfortably and further away from their area.
Midway through the second half, Madrid began to put headlines into action. Valverde came out for Ceballos and Vinícius for Güler, who had been one of the best on his team. Then Rüdiger and Camavinga came in for Brahim and Fran García. Madrid was more recognizable.
Oyarzabal, who had a goal disallowed for clear offside, had a great opportunity in the 79th minute, but Rüdiger took the shot from him at the last moment. Madrid continued with more defensive changes, with Lucas Vázquez replacing Modric and ended up defending with three center backs: Rüdiger, Nacho and Militao. The last occasion was from Camavinga. Madrid is now 14 points ahead of Barcelona.
