When it’s going to get bad, it doesn’t take so long to show on the pitch. You would expect a rootless Real Madrid when they are playing from a home side but, the reverse was the case today. Real Madrid wasn’t in the game as expected. Vini Jnr missed a pantry that was gifted to them and with it, their chance to get ahead early in the game. He came back to give them the equalizer but, that wasn’t enough for a saving grace. H. Duro served them what they’ve been known to serve in the plus minutes, there wasn’t any coming back from that. A chance for Barcelona to increase their point gaps.
Although I don't want to admit this, it is undeniable that in this match Madrid really played badly because not only in terms of performance but also in terms of scheme I really don't understand the way of thinking taken by Ancelotti in this match.
I know that in the end rotation is important but Anceclotti's actions in this match I would consider a mistake and this is one of the reasons I don't like Ancelotti's coaching style where he bets too much on performance when they really need to win.
It was a bad choice to use a young goalkeeper and bring back Tchouameni as a central defender when there is still Raul Asencio who can partner Rudiger. Bringing in the likes of Endrick and Alaba was also a poor decision for me as they were in need of goals but Ancelotti continued to push for a 4-4-2 style from the start.
This is clearly bad and I'm quite frustrated with what Madrid did this week. Hopefully there is hope even though it is difficult but now Barcelona must also lose if Madrid still wants a chance to be in the championship race in La Liga.