Once again, Karim Benzema made the difference for Real Madrid when they played against Sevilla. The goal he scored in the minutes of injury time not only helped Madrid win, but also brought Madrid closer to the Spanish La Liga trophy. Sevilla initially had a 2-0 lead over Madrid. However, his advantage was not put to good use, instead Madrid slowly rose.
Madrid’s revival is getting stronger until the last minute. In short, Sevilla must admit Madrid’s 3-goal advantage at home. The result of this match of course provides a big advantage for Madrid, but it could threaten Sevilla in the 3rd position of the La Liga standings. Sooner or later, Sevilla, who have been stalking Madrid for a long time, could have slipped to 4th position on the cross of Atletico.
Madrid’s performance at home to Sevilla can discuss Madrid’s performance this season. Carlo Ancelotti, who replaced Zinadene Zidane, was “burdened” by a not-so-established squad. The legacy of problems in the Zidane era has challenged Ancelotti to compete in Spain and Europe. At least, Zidane’s legacy for Ancelotti, which is in addition to being inhabited by well-known and valuable players, Madrid is also strengthened by several veteran players.
Early on in his arrival, Ancelotti expressed his desire to coach and work with veteran players, and to try to bolster players who were underperforming. The mission of working with veteran players was a success. Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Casaemiro, Toni Kroos, Marcelo, and several other veteran players were able to become the backbone of Madrid in the Spanish La Liga and Champions League.
Madrid is approaching the ladder of Spanish La Liga champions. Then, in the Champions League, Madrid will be in the semifinals and will play against Manchester City. In fact, for the European context, Madrid is not too favored. However, the mission to raise the quality of players like Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale did not go smoothly. These two players are still often inhabit the Madrid bench. It is very likely that these two players will be released by Madrid next season.
This situation is not an obstacle for Madrid. In fact, Madrid is trying to overcome that weakness by appearing full of enthusiasm and dedication in every game. Veteran players remain the backbone of Madrid. Madrid’s performance against Sevilla is only one of many matches, in which Madrid are not so subject to the situation. Some matches in the Champions League such as against Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Chelsea are also exactly like what happened at home to Sevilla.
The opponent’s advantage is not a reason to give up. In fact, armed with experienced players Madrid appear surprising and invite praise. Benzema looks like a sticker in his 20s. At this time, the public is more inclined to talk about young strikers such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Erling Haalang, and Ansu Fati, Benzema’s name does not seem to be lost. His charm seems brighter than these young players.
Not to mention the old midfielder Luka Modric. Modric, who has turned 36, is very difficult to shift from Madrid’s midfield. In fact, Modric is not so easy to enter Madrid’s injury list. Keep looking determined, attractive, and energetic. These veteran players appear full of dedication. Age is not a barrier. The quality of the opposing young players is not a threat to be feared.
In fact, the composition of old players is sometimes the weakness of a team. Also it becomes a material that the opponent can take advantage of. Weakness is not an obstacle Madrid. 90 minutes on the gridiron is always the benchmark. No doubt, Madrid strives to perform optimally in every game. Even when there is a team that has won first, Madrid does not give up easily.
Madrid are even more determined to find an equalizer or even win. This indicates that Madrid has tried to overcome the team’s weaknesses by improving performance on the gridiron. The problem of veteran players and players who are expensive but appear sluggish is not an obstacle for Madrid to win trophies this season. The Spanish La Liga trophy is getting closer to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti managed to mix the situation with the right target. In addition to continuing to rely on veteran players, Ancelotti also appears calm whenever the situation is not in Madrid’s favor.
Thus, Madrid’s situation, which is considered a weakness, is not an obstacle for Madrid to appear consistent. If Madrid continue to maintain the fighting power as has been shown in several matches, it is not impossible that the Champions League will also belong to Madrid.
ASL
