The score was only 1-0, but the manner in which Madrid delivered this performance raised concerns, particularly regarding their star-studded attack.
Kylian Mbappé didn’t have a single shot on target at Anfield (three in total), while Vinicius Junior didn’t try his luck once – despite playing the full 90 minutes. This is not what Real Madrid and its fans expect, as former player Gareth Bale pointed out on CBS Sports Golazo (via MD).
“We did not see Mbappé nor Vinicius in the last 30 meters do wonders and come back into the match. It’s a little disappointing not to have found the quality in this area that we expect from Real Madrid players. »
Bale: Real Madrid need a real striker.
Bale admits he would have liked to see Real Madrid play more direct against Liverpool, while recognizing that Xabi Alonso may not have the ideal Joselu-type striker.
“It’s frustrating. Maybe that complicates things. Sometimes you just have to move the ball forward and test the defense. They were clearly faster than everyone else on the field, so… Only they can answer these questions. Maybe they don’t because there is no one else in the box to receive the crosses.
Symbol of his successful reconversion, Gareth Bale swapped the lawns of the Bernabéu for the greens, without ever losing his sense of management.
Oddly enough, Gonzalo Garcia, who was on the bench at Anfield, is generally considered to have a similar profile to Joselu, but despite this it was decided not to bring him on against Liverpool. It’s a decision Alonso may regret today, or it could be that a top striker is in demand when the transfer window opens – especially considering the expected departure of Endrick Felipe on loan.
