The game against Eibar on June 14, became the 200th official match for the head coach of Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane in this post. Only Miguel Muñoz (605) and Vicente Del Bosque (246) have more. An incredible number for a coach who just started his career 4 years ago – in charge of Real.
Eden Hazard returned to the Madrid squad, one of those footballers who benefited from a protracted pause. The Belgian recovered from an ankle fracture in February. His tenure in Real Madrid has drawn a lot of criticism so far because everyone expects from the Belgian to live up to anticipations. Of course, the injuries had their toll, but Hazard has been in a poor shape recently.
With possession, Madrid was located according to the 4-3-3 scheme, where the three together with the Hazard were Benzema and Rodrygo. And without the ball – either 4-4-2 (in pressure, when Benzema and Modric were the most active), or 4-1-4-1.
The crushing score (3:0) after the first half is a consequence of Zidane’s interesting decisions. Since Eibar pressed a little more intensively (final data: 10.80 versus 10.24 PPDA), the central midfielders of Real Madrid took turns to go down to the defending players to start the attack.
As a result, Kroos made 70 passes (and scored with a long shot), and Casemiro – 72.
For the same reason, Carvajal sometimes found himself in the middle of midfield, and Rodrygo – alone on the entire right flank.
From the 25th minute, Rodrygo and Hazard switched flanks (then Carvajal moved to his usual position), and the Belgian proved that he was in good shape. He still finds space: from here – the pass to Ramos with the second goal, as well as the “pre-goal strike” with the ball scored to Marcelo. Hazard also actively uses dribbling: 5 attempts (most of all among the players of both teams), however, only 2 successful ones.
Because of these statistics and the potential of Eden Hazard, it is even more surprising, that he still did not manage to establish himself in the team. If we remember his stint with Chelsea Hazard was phenomenal and an engine of the club. To further supplement his success and accomplishments, we can even recall various innovations and promotions for online casino players which were based purely on the Belgian player. The bonuses were still active when he joined Real Madrid, but following the unsuccessful period the interest in promotions died down from people.
Hazard, perhaps, is very lacklustre in the team, but there is Karim Benzema. In the game, he was probably the best from the whole team. He is already 10 years at the club. Real Madrid replaced numerous managers during that period, but each of them saw Benzema as the pivotal figure for the club. Some fans see him as one of the most underrated players.
The Frenchman had two pre-goal passes, as well as the best indicators in the team characterizing the impact on the promotion of the ball:
However, others scored – with an offset to the left edge. Most notably, we should mention Sergio Ramos, the captain and the soul of Madrid, who proves everyone that he is a charismatic figure in the team.
Eibar was good in pressure (according to the 4-4-2 rhombus pattern), as well as positional attacks (4-3-3) in the first half. In the second half of the meeting, the team of Jose Luis Mendilibar looked even better, despite the final score and a rather curious goal.
Firstly, Real Madrid could not get out of the pressure at all, and if they succeeded, they often lost the ball (23-20 in losses). As for the final stage of the attack, the players inflicted only one blow on the opponent’s goal in the second half. Final statistics: 6-9 on shots (5-5 on target).
Secondly, Madrid lost the centre: at least Casemiro’s indicators show this – 5 fouls (4 in the second half) and a yellow card. In addition, Eibar surpassed Real in interceptions (20-12) and successful selections (22-15).
Thirdly, Zidane’s substitutions did not strengthen the game: Vinicius and Gareth Bale appeared on the field in the 61st minute but touched the ball 13 and 14 times respectively. If the former at least tried to pass the opponent in dribbling (3 attempts), then the latter was remembered for inaccurate passes, losses and not a too successful choice of position in the penalty area.
Bale’s future in Real Madrid is still vague. He and Zidane have had difficult relationships. The French coach even declared in July 2019 that Wales international was very close to leaving the team. However, Bale stayed, but he still does not get enough minutes on the pitch.
Perhaps Real did not score the optimal physical form and played on the account. Statistically, the team acquired both in terms of the standings and some indicators. However, such second halves are an impermissible luxury in the conditions of the champion race with Barcelona. Los Blancos already had misfired, including defeats from Betis (1:2), Levante (0:1) and Mallorca (0:1). And in order to compete with the Blaugranas, just wins in top games may not be enough. Quique Setiene’s team also won the match against Mallorca on Saturday. Both teams have more or less difficult matches remaining, and every point is of vital importance.