Huge day. Midfield has to keep their shape, stay compact & protect the back 4 much better. Really hope we see the '13/'14 version that wasn't afraid to defend with two banks of 4 and then counter like hell.
Varane gets the start over Pepe today. Modric-Kroos-James in the midfield but Carlo has Bale playing as a 4th to protect the right side better.
Sucks not getting at least 1 but they looked like the better team and controlled most of the play, although shaky the last 15 minutes. Hopefully Bale's missed chance won't come back to bite them in the ass. Losing Marcelo to that weak yellow definitely hurts though.
Played good from what I was following on Twitter. Wish we could have got one. They are just going to play the counter at the Bernebeu again. I think Isco needs to start, he is one of our better plays off the dribble and being able to break down a defense is what we need against a parked bus.
I think being on the same team with Ronaldo hurts him because they have similar styles. Both need more time on the ball. Bale isn't getting the volume he needs to be successful. Add in the fact that he damn near never gets to take a free kick (he would probably have 5-7 goals in all competitions just with those), and he is marginalized. Nonetheless, calling him worthless is a gross overstatement.
Mixed reports on whether or not he'll be ready for Wednesday too, although he hasn't been the least bit effective against ATM the last 2 years so maybe it's not a huge loss. Hopefully this means we see both Isco & James tomorrow instead of Chicarito.
It's Malaga so you'd think Isco would get the start but who the hell knows. Assuming Carlo sticks with 3 up top I'd like to see 10-8-23 in the MF and let Luka rest with the short turn around.
Both Isco & James in the XI today in what looks like will be a 4 man MF. Varane & Carvajal rested for Wed
It will be interesting to hear about the injuries....any news yet? Ronaldo is not bad at this game of soccer....
Word is its an LCL sprain and he'll miss 5-6 weeks Both he & Bale to have tests tomorrow but there's almost no shot either play Wednesday. Add to that Benzema being a question and Marcelo's suspension and things aren't looking all that great at the moment.
Will be tough to fight thru with these injuries but I still have faith that we will prevail on Wednesday. Not having Luka just makes me sad
Bale out 2-3 weeks with a "muscle injury" in his left calf. Also, Benzema still not practicing and looking highly doubtful for Wednesday which means we'll almost certainly see at least 2 of Chicharito, Illarra & Khedira in the starting XI
Real Madrid's 2014-2015 Season: Injuries on injuries on injuries on injuries on injuries The only two I can think of that haven't missed time due to injuries are Ronaldo and Kroos
What have I missed lately? Been too busy to consider even watching a game, let alone read to keep up. From the past page, looks as if I'm only missing injuries and missed chances, along with some Ronaldo brilliance ...
Very true. Quality depth is going to be a need this summer. Starting XI is loaded all around but besides when Isco has come off the bench, they really have no one to turn to at this moment. Jese hopefully will work his way back into strong form.
They've looked like shit much of 2015 thanks to injuries & fatigue. It's only been within the last month or so that they've gotten their shit together and been back on track, thanks in large part to the return of Modric & James. Now the injuries are piling up again (to key players) while the season, and perhaps Ancelotti's job, may be on the line Wednesday afternoon.
Therein lies the rub. During Perez's Galacticos 2.0 era, "depth signings" and developing the young talent haven't been a priority which coupled with Carlo's lack of rotation leads to issues like this. Amassing tons of talent is great, but unless you have capable replacements who are fresh and ready to step up when called upon you're a late tackle or 2 away from the clusterfuck they're in now. Khedira hasn't played in almost a month, Illarra has something like 90 minutes since March and Coentrao (who is starting at LB Wed) hasn't played a single minute in like 47 days. That said, there's no easy solution. Players like Verratti & Vietto are ideal backup signings aren't but it's a tough sale to convince them to come sit on the bench, especially given the lack of rotation, when they could be starting for other CL quarterfinalists. Pursuing stars like Pogba & Reus would mean the end of Luka, Isco, or Bale but I'm afraid that's exactly what's going to happen if they go trophy-less.
Benzema is officially out tomorrow as he was diagnosed with an MCL sprain just like Luka. I'm now resigned to the fact that Chicharito is going to be starting a CL quarterfinal match for Real
Can't wait for this game Carlo deserves some blame but depth problems are Perez's fault, firing him would just be stupid if he goes trophyless. He's your best manager in a long time and great with the big egos.
Completely agree with you. Depth and injuries are the factors of the downfall this season. Nothing to do with Carlo.
I have to work, but will record and watch later. Deciding on whether I'm going to follow it on Twitter or not.
I agree that he should be kept but I don't think he's totally blameless either. His substitution policy has left a lot to be desired and is part of the reason they're in the mess they currently are. I understand that injuries are out of his control (although there are a good amount who blame him for running guys into the ground) but there have been plenty of opportunities to rotate and the reserves minutes but he's choosen not to.
Need to watch on your phone. I have problems not fast forwarding or checking the score when I record the games so I know I'd never be able to make it through.
Not sure what to think of that..... I have a weird confidence about today's game....I think these guys rise to the occasion and get it done.