Real Madrid's defeat to Atletico Madrid 3-1 really made us realize that no matter how good ball possession is, if you don't have a sharp striker, then it's really in vain. Not only will they not be able to face other big teams later in the UCL, Even against Atletico Madrid they couldn't penetrate Atletico's back line strongly.
I said a while ago that Madrid would gradually lose ground with a formation like this. There was no striker with the ambition to score goals, making Atletico Madrid enjoy a very entertaining match. Like it or not, this defeat made Barcelona lead at the top of the standings, followed by Girona who unexpectedly could be consistent and be in second place.
In my opinion, if Barcelona occupied the top of the standings, it would be difficult for any club to catch up. This season Madrid will experience many problems, whether they realize it or not, the fact that if there are no senior players like Kross, the fans worries will become even more real.
Although the 4-1-2-1-2 formation was also used against Real Sociedad and at that time Real Madrid won. But there is something different about the 4-1-2-1-2 formation that was used in the match against Atletico Madrid. The reason is that Carlo Ancelotti's player placement is different from when he played against Real Sociedad. Even Bellingham was placed in a position that was not really a suitable place for Jude Bellingham. He is more comfortable in the middle than in that position. I think Carlo Ancelotti made too many positioning attempts. I know he is trying to cover the gap left by Vinicius Jr. Because currently Real Madrid doesn't have enough mainstay strikers. Because Real Madrid's only mainstay striker, Vinicius Jr, is still unable to compete in that match. Maybe this is what made Carlo Ancelotti place several players in slightly different positions than usual.
Finally Barcelona can return to the top of the standings. I think it's becoming more like last season back. It's just that now Girona appears in 2nd place without anyone expecting anything at all. This happens because Girona have not met a club that is tough enough to stop the positive trend they are currently having.