We had to wait five games to see the first victory of the summer (5-3), this time in the second game of the Audi Cup against Fenerbahce. We have to thank Karim Benzema’s hat trick, but the image didn’t improve a lot respect the previous matches. Again, the team was very fragile in defense, conceding many chances to a lower level opponent.
It was not an easy victory and again Los Blancos started the game conceding the first goal. This time we can blame Odriozola, again showing that he’s not able to replace Carvajal with guarantees. At least, the team reacted and Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick in the first half, two of these goals were headers. The French striker is the top scorer of the pre-season, with 4 goals, and looks sharp, just the same as last season. However, the team would need more help, because it was clear that with Benzema alone is not enough.
This time Vinicius, Hazard and Isco were around the French striker, but no one showed a great level in Germany. Besides, Los Blancos midfield was again very slow, even if Valverde gives more power and stamina. That ended up in conceding too many chances and goals again, although the team was better this time in the offensive part.
Zizou said after the Tottenham defeat that Real Madrid needed a victory to start working out properly. Now they have this first victory of the season even if he cannot be happy with the performance. Only in the last 30 minutes of the clash, Los Blancos got in advantage with Nacho and Mariano scoring the goals. Probably, the Dominican striker is needed in this squad, especially with only Benzema and Jovic as forwards.
In the last minutes of the game, we also had the chance to see Kubo, and he was brilliant game. The supporters wonder why the Japanese has not more minutes in the pre-season if he’s been one of the best. Also Rodrygo should have more opportunities, especially when the veteran players are so far from their top level. Next game will be next Thursday against RB Salzburg.
