What is the story about?
The Positives
- Arda Güler continues to be Real Madrid’s Most Valuable Player so far this season. There’s no reason for him to be dropped. He has reached “undisputed starter” status, no matter his reputation or the fact that Real Madrid “only” needed to spend €28 million to sign him. He’s truly magnificent.
- Diomandé has arrived. First truly game-changing performance from him, both on the right and the left flank. A significant weight was lifted off his shoulders after that great assist to Mbappé on Real Madrid’s second goal. Made his case to compete with Vinicius for a spot in the lineup, even if that’s unlikely.
- Another win. Yes, it was a struggle. Yes, Madrid need to be better. At the end of the day, Bellingham’s individual play, Mbappé‘s run and assist and Espí’s second goal of the season allowed Mourinho’s team to walk away with the three points. They avoided a total disaster.
The Negatives
- Elche dominated the second half and that cannot happen. Real Madrid keep getting away with it just like they did against Espanyol and Inter, but this trend will cost them significant points this season if they can’t find the proper solution.
- Vinicius is about to put Mourinho at a crossroads. At some point, Real Madrid will be chasing a result and Mourinho will need to make a decision about Vinicius, if he keeps playing at this level. Do you take him out of the game and play either Espí or Diomandé or do you keep giving him a role he doesn’t deserve? With the Derbi just a few days away and several rotations, Mourinho had an excuse to take him out last night, but that will not always be the case.
