Real Madrid lost against Valencia and some players didn’t show their best level at Mestalla. The worst footballer on the pitch was Raphael Varane, who has good competitors in the bench to replace him in case Zidane decides to do it.
Raphael Varane could be blamed for the second goal scored by Valencia and he could do more also in the first goal conceded by Real Madrid. In the third minute of the game, Valencia are attacking in the right hand side and the cross arrives to Zaza. Behind him is Raphael Varane, who gives some space to the Italian footballer. Then, the former West Ham striker turns around and shoot to the angle. Great goal but the French could be closer.
Just six minutes after, Real Madrid are attacking trying to level the game. Varane is in Valencia’s pitch, he makes a poor control and he loses the ball. The counter attack finishes with Orellana’s goal. Keylor Navas could save it but the ball passes below the legs. It was the second goal in only 10 minutes.
The game wasn’t better for Raphael Varane in the second half. Zaza almost scores the third goal in another mistake committed by the French defender. He also hit Gaya’s head with his foot when he was trying to get the ball in a horrific tackle. The referee showed him the yellow card, but he could have been sent off for this action, although it was accidental.
Finally he was substituted in the 72nd minute by Nacho. Everybody thought it was because of his poor performance, but Zizou explained the substitution in press conference: Varane got hurt. He had some pain and we replaced him”, the manager said. The French defender has some muscular problems so he could miss the game against Villarreal on Sunday.
It’s not an important absence for Zizou because he has two reliable players to replace him. Actually, Nacho has been one of the best players this season and could play great as a full back or as a left or right back. Pepe, who didn’t travel to Valencia, is also recovered from his injuries and could play in the defense line.
