Real Madrid’s struggles in La Liga this season can be put down to various factors but one very obvious reason behind their weakness in the Spanish top flight have been their struggles in front of goal.
The Spanish giants managed to defeat Real Betis 2-1 at the Benito Villamarin on Sunday night with a last-gasp victory secured, thanks to long range efforts from World Cup finalist Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos. Again, manager Santiago Solari had to rely on individual brilliance for victory.
Real managed just 26.3% of the possession in Seville with Betis claiming 73.6% of the possession. Betis were in total control of the game bossing the engine room as Modric was left chasing shadows throughout the match.
Once again, Solari had no place for Isco in the starting lineup as the midfielder settled for a place on the bench igniting further speculations the Spaniard is on his way out of Spain.
Solari finished the game with a forward line consisting of the 19 year old Brahim Diaz, 21 year old Cristo Gonzalez and 18 year old Vinicius Junior, a far cry from what we have become used to seeing at the Spanish club over the years.
While this attack might be one for the future, it is certainly not good enough for the present.
Real Madrid are just being punished for their failure to sign a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo who departed Madrid for Turin in the summer. Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio are both out with long-term injuries.
Karim Benzema is also sidelined with a minor injury to his finger and Lucas Vazquez is suspended after seeing red in their last game. Luka Modric will be looking to step up for the Spanish giants as they continue to flounder this season. The Croatian certainly has what it takes.
