Dispersed notes of Real Madrid’s victory over Brest

Dispersed notes: a new segment in which I throw my notes in an article after each game. Without complicating, without filter, not professional.

• Another game, another old performance of Fede Valverde. Business as usual. He should have had an assistance in the 88th minute after his interception and move to Kylian Mbappe to the box. Great blocks in zone 14; Great transition defense.

• Real Madrid had difficulty escaping from Brest’s press from the beginning, but every time they made their way, they found tons of space to work. But this team is still far from being constantly resistant to the press to prime presses and take the ball to the attackers in significant attack areas. That would be resolved, in some way, with better ball -game backs, and more Dani Ceballos in the field.

• Rodrygo’s line line: incredible. SIX COMPLETED DRIBBLES. That moment scored in the first half through a moment of a genius: a shoulder drop, a cut and a distant end, the game opened. His defensive contributions were also notable.
• The second goal of Real Madrid: impressive. The Kylian Mbappe doll not only let the ball to Jude Bellingham, but also dragged a defender with him, opening the central lane. Bellingham wore the ball, calmly waited for the defense to change, and then released the pass before throwing himself into the box. Clinical.
• The state of the game changed around 60th minute when Brest, for a couple of goals, had to throw the players forward. The three strikers of Madrid finally had space to meet, although they should have capitalized much more than they did. Mbappe lost two blank opportunities, and although he got into good goal positions with a great speed explosion, most of his seven shots tonight were very far.
• The defense of the set piece is still an obvious problem. Brest Vulnerabilities exposed here again, despite not scoring. But this is not a unique problem. Real Madrid leaves open headers during each game.
• The wing situation is exhausting to talk about, but here we are again. To be fair: Lucas Vázquez had two excellent crosses and an assistance tonight. His attack positioning is a key reason why Ancelotti continues to shoot with him, but defensive compensations remain. Fight physically and remove the duels. On the left, Ferland Mendy continues to offer little compared to Fran García, who was banking tonight.
• Luka Modric: mixed bag. Not as composed under pressure as it was and was beaten defensively on some occasions. Strong touches under pressure; Poor passes. But then, as always, there are still moments of genius: a perfect ball to unlock Mbappe in the break in the first half. Even so, it is clear that it is not the machine that used to be.
• Aurelien Tchouameni also had an inconsistent night. The slow reactions and poor gifts led to unnecessary offenses. That said, he had a couple of notable defensive moments. It still seems a slow step in several sequences.
• Brahim Díaz: Quiet. It seems to prosper more when the games are changed to more chaotic play states. You still need to better track your defensive tasks, but had a great game combination with Modric.
• Jude Bellingham: Multifunctional. Five cups. Fantastic pass in the break and surgical through balls.
• The brief cameo of Arda Güler was encouraging.
• Three players who deserved to start but did not, but should due to their following features: Dani Ceballos (press resistant, great progression of the ball, active presierman), Raúl Asencio (defensive solid, background leadership, construction composure -Up phase), and Fran García (defensively solid this season, supports the attack). The three have been in great way, but observed from the bank. Ancelotti’s XI gala is not always based on merit, but on trust, something he has spoken in his book. It is a risk that runs. Can Vázquez, Tchouameni and Mendy raise their levels against the best teams?