For the second straight game, Real Madrid racked up a 4-1 win last night against RB Leipzig, and it is safe to say that the result was thoroughly deserved.
There were moments of panic in the game from which Thibaut Courtois was forced to make extra-terrestrial saves to keep his side alive.
Once they took the lead, however, Real Madrid inflicted serial damage on the visitors and found themselves 3-0 up by the 83rd minute. The visitors then pulled one back, but Yan Diomande delivered the final blow with a wonderful strike.
Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Real Madrid 4-1 RB Leipzig.
Vinicius’ future looks bleak
Being suspended in La Liga for four games, Vinicius Jr.’s only chance of playing football now comes in the UEFA Champions League. Jose Mourinho thus decided to hand the player a start last night, hoping he would redeem himself.
Vinicius Jr. was not at his best against RB Leipzig. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
While Vinicius was slightly better than he had looked in recent games, he was again outperformed and overshadowed, even though he replaced him for only the final 20 minutes.
In 70 minutes on the field, the Brazilian star failed to rack up a single key pass or accurate cross. He did have two shots on target, but neither really looked like a scoring position.
What is more appalling is that the Brazilian star did not complete a single dribble in 70 minutes – something that is very unlike him and a clear indication that he is slowly but surely sinking under pressure.
Coming on to replace him, meanwhile, Diomande scored a stunning goal, racked up one key pass and looked like a regular threat down the left flank for Real Madrid. The difference between him and Vinicius was clear as day.
Given how matters are progressing, Vinicius appears to be slowly reconciling to the fact that he is losing his spot in the side and that there is nothing he can do about it. His decline is unfortunate and difficult to watch, but Diomande appears to be growing into a deserved starter on the left wing.
Camavinga’s big statement
Camavinga started alongside Bernardo Silva against RB Leipzig. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho completely changed the look of Real Madrid’s midfield last night, bringing on Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga into the lineup as the double pivot.
Both players have not had a lot of minutes in recent weeks – particularly the Frenchman who only saw fringe minutes after the international break despite doing well for Zinedine Zidane and France.
After a long time, Camavinga played all 90 minutes for Los Blancos and he dropped a performance that once again showed the world why he was so highly rated at one point. He may not have finished with a goal or an assist, but the control he provided in midfield was far superior to what Aurelien Tchouameni usually offers.
In 90 minutes, Camavinga completed 92% of his passes, 67% of long balls and completed 100% of the three dribbles he attempted. Defensively, he stood out with six recoveries, an interception, three tackles won and a staggering 14 duels won.
For Camavinga to come back into such good form, needless to say, comes as massive news for Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho. Moreover, his positive partnership with Bernardo Silva hands the manager a new rotational option in midfield.
Momentum when it’s needed most
The wind is fresh in Real Madrid’s sails, and for the first time this season, Mourinho’s men seem to be treading a path with a clear plan and good confidence.
Real Madrid now have the momentum. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
The timing of such a purple patch, in that sense, could not have been any better. Having scored eight goals and conceded just two in their last two games, Real Madrid will now believe in their chances against Barcelona at the weekend.
For a long time, the Catalans were seen as overwhelming favourites against Real Madrid, especially because of Los Blancos’ midfield situation. With order now restored and some semblance of stability in the department, Real Madrid also have a good chance of capitalising on the Clasico.
The importance of the momentum the team currently possesses, in that sense, cannot be understated and all eyes now shift to the weekend’s game against Barcelona which is massive for the title race.
A win, and Real Madrid are back within three points and well within reach of the lead in La Liga. A defeat, however, will put them nine points behind Barcelona and in a position of great weakness in the domestic competition.