Real Madrid secured an important victory in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, but not everyone was pleased with the team's performance. Despite the 2-1 win over Atlético, Álvaro Benito and other critics pointed out weaknesses in Ancelotti's Real Madrid.
Victory Doesn't Hide the Shortcomings
Real Madrid earned the three points thanks to a goal by Brahim Díaz that regained the lead after Álvarez's equalizer. However, despite the victory, many saw a match with ups and downs and lacking the expected brilliance. For Álvaro Benito, Madrid "lacks something in offense and speed," which allowed Atlético to neutralize the forwards.
Defensive Fragility Is a Constant
One of the most pointed out issues by Benito was Real Madrid's defensive fragility. Álvarez's goal before the 40th minute was, for Benito, a reflection of Madrid's shortcomings: "When you're drowning, they throw you a lifeline."
Álvaro Benito didn't limit his criticism to the defense in general but pointed to two specific players: Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga. "They are transparent," he commented bluntly about the lack of impact of the defensive midfielders.
For him, the work of Tchouaméni and Camavinga was not up to par, highlighting that even Luka Modric "defends better than they do." The lack of consistency of the two French midfielders reflects, according to Benito, the dynamics of a team that hasn't evolved as expected.
Attitude and Apathy: The Major Problem
The former Madrid player also expressed his bewilderment at the team's attitude. "It's hard to understand that a Champions League round of 16 against Atlético is played like this," said Benito. According to him, the "apathy" shown by some players in crucial phases of the match reflects a lack of intensity that could be costly in such high-level competitions.
Individualities, the Key to Success
Despite the criticisms, Álvaro Benito also highlighted positive aspects of the match. Brahim Díaz's performance was one of them. For Benito, his performance was exemplary: "This is how you play soccer, it's the example that you can leave offensive plays of the highest quality and give your all in the defensive phase."
The effort and quality of Brahim were, in his opinion, one of the few positive notes of a team that continues to show many shadows.
Luka Modric's presence was also key to organizing the team. The Croatian is capable of raising the level of all players when he's on the field.
"It's hard to believe that Modric arrives and the entire offensive phase is organized," stated Benito. Despite this, the persistent problem remains the defense.