Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid thrashes Roberto De Zerbi’s boys. How long is Trent out for? Rodrygo disappoints Xavi again?
Xavi Alonso’s Real Madrid struggled on the pitch defensively throughout the first half. Marseille created numerous chances but failed to convert them and was not clinical enough. Marseille’s counterattack tested Courtois quite a few times, but they were not clinical enough.
The second half of the game turned as soon as Vini and Brahim came on the pitch. The effect was quick: more possession, more chances, and very aggressive pressing. With fresh legs and a sheer quality difference, Madrid managed to score 2 goals. Mbappe and Vini’s partnership shone again, keeping Rodrygo still as a second choice on the left wing for Xabi Alonso.
Trent’s Early Injury
Trent’s early injury was very unexpected, and later revealed through reports to be a left hamstring Injury. He will undergo tests in the coming days to determine how serious it is.
Carvajal subbed in place of Trent. He was solid defensively and played firmly in midfield during defense and attack transitions.
At the 72nd minute, tempers flared as Carvajal shockingly head-butted Marseille’s goalkeeper, earning himself a straight red, which puts Real Madrid again in the back seat.
Vini Mbappe Duo Strikes Again
Vini was subbed in at the 63rd minute. The moment he stepped onto the pitch, the impact was clearly visible: aggressive pressing and instant trackback. This allowed Madrid to keep more possession and make more chances.
At the 80th minute, a messy but quick dribbling by Vinicius after a passing sequence between him and Mbappe led to a handball inside the box. Mbappe scores the penalty yet again with a smooth yet powerful netting.
Shaky Defense
Militao was rusty throughout the first half. He failed to clear several long balls from midfield to Aubameyang; one such chance led to a 1-on-1 situation with Courtois.
Huijsen’s passing accuracy was flawless throughout the game, with some successful tackles too. At times, he too mistimed some tackles and a few unsuccessful blocks, but overall, it was a good game for him.
Rodrygo walking on a fine line
Rodrygo’s close control dribbling ends in a foul inside the box, awarding Real Madrid with a penalty in the 29th minute. Mbappe smashes the penalty into the left netting.
Rodrygo’s attacking output stands out throughout the first half, but defensively, his output was null. Xabi’s system hinges on relentless intensity, and the moment possession is lost, players must press aggressively.
That includes instant track back and suffocating opponents with heavy pressing to regain possession. Rodrygo fails multiple times to track back and often leaves his marker. Real scored an early goal, which gave Marseille an early lead in the game.
All set for Almaty
Real Madrid looks very ready and optimistic to face Kairat Almaty on 30th September. The team has never travelled to Kazakhstan, so this is the first time Real Madrid will be travelling to Kazakhstan by a 13-hour flight.
