A start with nuances at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid opened their campaign at home with a 3-0 win against Real Valladolid, but the reality of the game was more complex than the scoreline might suggest. In a first half marked by a lack of rhythm, Carlo Ancelotti’s team faced an opponent that proved to be more difficult than expected.
Kylian Mbappé: Expectations and reality
The arrival of Kylian Mbappé in Madrid has generated great expectations, especially in his debut at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite the excitement of the fans, the Frenchman had a disappointing game, with little participation and not contributing significantly to the goalscoring opportunities, which raised alarms among the fans and the technical management.
The position on the pitch
One of the key factors in Mbappé’s performance was his placement in the formation. Ancelotti placed him as a centre-forward, a role that does not seem to fit his style of play, which shines when he starts from the left wing. This decision limited his ability to influence, leaving the team with a question mark on how to best take advantage of his qualities.
Ancelotti’s tactical dilemma
The coexistence of Mbappé and Vinicius in the starting eleven poses a strategic challenge for Ancelotti. Both players need space to express themselves, and placing them on the same wing could compromise the balance of the team. Ancelotti will have to find a solution that maximizes the potential of each player without sacrificing overall performance.
Integrate talent without losing strength
The game against Valladolid was a reminder that Real Madrid have a lot of work to do to integrate Mbappé into their system. Although he showed moments of brilliance with smart clearances, it was not enough to alter the result. Pressure is growing on Ancelotti to quickly adjust team dynamics.
Looking to the future: Competence and adaptation
With increasing competition in LaLiga, especially with a revitalized Barcelona, Ancelotti knows that every mistake can be costly. The Italian coach will need to be shrewd in his approach to ensure Mbappé returns to being the attacking leader he was expected to be, while protecting Vinicius’ pivotal role in the team.
The road ahead
As the season progresses, Ancelotti’s ability to manage his team’s stars will be crucial. The effective integration of Mbappé and Vinicius may be the key to Real Madrid’s success in what promises to be an intense and competitive year.
