(Football news) Real Madrid started their new era with a win against Athletic Club. Carlo Ancelotti lined up in the 4-4-2 diamond with Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo up front. The big call was to bench both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos as Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni all started in midfield. Fran Garcia made his 2nd official debut with the club while Dani Carvajal captained the side.
Ancelotti once again continued to trust Eder Militao and David Alaba as his starting centre back pairing. Andriy Lunin started between the sticks in the absence of Thibaut Courtois who is set to miss the majority of the season due to an ACL injury. It wasn’t a perfect performance by Real Madrid as there were a number of mistakes. However, San Mames is probably one of the most difficult away stadiums in La Liga and Real Madrid ended up winning there quite comfortably.
Bilbao dominated possession at the early stages but Real Madrid got control of the game later. Dani Carvajal wonderfully set up Rodrygo for the opening goal in the 28th minute. Eight minutes later Jude Bellingham scored on his official debut from a corner. Real Madrid had a very good first half but the second half slowed down from an attacking point. The defense however was pretty good throughout with David Alaba leading the back line wonderfully. Disaster struck in the 50th minute when Eder Militao limped off the pitch with an injury. It was eventually diagnosed as an ACL rupture just like Courtois that will keep him out for at least 9 months.
The entire midfield had a very good game as did Rodrygo. The one concern was with Vinicius Jr who didn’t have the best of nights. The Brazilian as usual had some good moments but he also lost possession a number of times. He still doesn’t look entirely comfortable as a part of a front two because he can’t play on the touch line and wreak havoc. While the system suits the other players especially Jude Bellingham but if Vinicius isn’t able to adjust then Ancelotti will have no option but to switch back to the 4-3-3. Real Madrid’s next game is against Almeria away from home.
