Returning to earth is difficult. This Monday morning, half of the city of Madrid wakes up with a smile. The other, however, has a hell of a hangover. It must be said that on Sunday evening, on the pitch of the Wanda Metropolitano, Atlético de Madrid won this Madrid derby with a score of 3-1, at the end of a meeting where Diego Simeone’s troops completely dominated their subject. A real seal of cold water on the heads of the Merengues, who arrived with a nice record of 5 victories in 5 matches.
Inside the Colchoneros, Carlo Ancelotti’s men did not achieve much. We were able to see an enormous defensive fragility, which we had already seen during other matches, such as against Real Sociedad last weekend. But this time, the individual talent of the Colchoneros, led by a good Griezmann-Morata duo, took advantage of the defensive generosity of the team led by the Italian tactician. With the ball, and without Vinicius Junior, the Merengues did not offer much and the Rojiblancos had a much quieter evening than expected.
Madrilenians look for the culprits
Obviously, the pro-Madrid media and journalists have it bad, and the witch hunt is on. It’s simple, almost all the players take their position, with the exception of a few elements like Brahim Diaz, who tried to set things on fire entering the second period. The Rüdiger-Alaba duo is, for example, at the heart of criticism, as the two central defenders were so feverish. Rodrygo, who was to be the leader of the attack, is also criticized. “He had to make Vinicius forget, but he is in six games in a row without scoring”explain Marca. Jude Bellingham, so brilliant at the start of the season, is also very often mentioned. Even if it is above all Ancelotti’s use of the Englishman that raises questions, more than the level of the Three Lions player.
For the Madrid media, the former Dortmund man is more comfortable a little further down, rather than behind the attackers. Ancelotti also takes quite a bit of money, as was to be expected. His decision to bring the Modric-Kroos duo out of the closet is, for example, considered questionable, just as this new 4-4-2 diamond system is called into question. Beyond the tactical aspect, it is also the mental aspect that raises questions, while Real Madrid has a habit of starting their matches badly. “Real Madrid has a big problem”summary Marca on this subject. The alarm bells are ringing…
