Real Madrid’s lack of “personality and quality” in crucial games has been criticized by Spanish media following Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.
Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois made a number of excellent saves that spared the Spanish giants from suffering a more severe loss that evening.
However, Alexis Mac Allister’s header on Dominik Szoboszlai’s free kick at the hour mark resulted in Madrid’s first Champions League loss of the season.
According to the Spanish publication AS as reported by the Daily Mail, los Blancos are not prepared to contend for the Champions League this season, and underlined that Liverpool’s domination in the match has shown this.
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The result was compared to Real Madrid’s dismal performances in the FIFA Club World Cup and their Champions League struggles against Arsenal last season.
AS Assessment Of Real Madrid Following Anfield Loss
Madrid’s style has evolved, according to the outlet, but issues with their mindset both on and off the ball still exist.
“The match Real Madrid played at Anfield last season made it clear that the team wasn’t ready to compete in Europe, something Arsenal proved months later,’ one article claimed.
“A year later, the test at the same venue, against an opponent now under scrutiny for their recent defeats, leaves behind the impression that Real Madrid’s current competitive level hasn’t evolved enough, especially regarding the players’ attitude with and without the ball. The style has changed, but not the effectiveness.
“Now we can talk—the players themselves, led by Valverde, did about their attitude with and without the ball, something obvious, but the reality is that Real Madrid and their style don’t mesh well with just passing the ball around.
“Without movement up front, having possession is of little use, and that’s something Xabi Alonso still hasn’t managed to instill in the players.”
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