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Up Next.. vs Osasuna
Real Madrid travel to the very unwelcoming arena in Pamplona. The recent events surrounding Vinicius will likely be front and centre regarding the atmosphere as has become commonplace in La Liga since Vinicius decided to take a stance
against racism.
Osasuna are unbeaten in 5 with 3 wins included in the streak. Real Madrid are the form side in La Liga and this is the kind of game that tests your mettle in La Liga. These games really test a manager. You’re expected to win but it’s never that easy.
Vinicius Repays Arbeloa’s Confidence
Vinicius has returned to normal under the tutelage of Arbeloa. It remains to be seen how Arbeloa will optimise the combination between Vini and Kylian. Xabi had seemed to settle on a front two and Arbeloa seems resigned to the same solution although with a more pragmatic approach to defence. Vinicius picked up form at the right time.
Arbeloa was a praise singer in his earlier interviews. He made no bones about his support for Vinicius, not hesitating to single him out for praise.
Rudi’s Revenge – A Solid Defence
Toni Rudiger’s return has been most welcome. It is my view that Huijsen and Asencio would make an excellent pair given their contrasting styles and attributes. However, their combined lack of experience means they often do not know how to protect each other. An experienced defender like Rudiger knows how to look after a fellow CB partner.
The return of Carvajal and Trent at RB along with Rudiger and the consistency of Alvaro Carreras who has shown to be the player we believed we were signing, should bring more confidence in defence. While Carreras isn’t as experienced as the other 3, he sure looks many years older when he’s on top of his game.
The Gift/Curse of Injuries
Arbeloa’s praising of his players in press conferences sometimes make him sound like a fan but it seems to have the positive impact on his players.
Jude Bellingham’s absence is a gift and a curse. A gift because it’s allowed us to see the team without him and a curse because he clearly brings a unique set of skills that makes the team far more adaptable. When Jude returns, Arbeloa will have to bench one of Camavinga or Arda, not to mention Franco and Rodrygo whose RW position will be unavailable when everyone is healthy. On the brighter side, we will have great depth.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Benfica was a pressure game even if it is a game we should be winning 10 out 10 times. Osasuna is its own pressure game. If Los Blancos secure the win, it’s 5 points at the top of the table. The league is then ours to lose. The competition doesn’t really pose a threat. No Copa worked out for us in 2023/24 and we’ll be hoping for the same.
