According to “Varzesh3,” this was a professional win for a Real Madrid side that has struggled to control games this season. It was an important victory, keeping them in the La Liga race with seven weeks remaining. However, it was not an inspiring win—one that could inject extra optimism into fans ahead of Wednesday’s match.

Ancelotti’s team played as dull as ever, but at least they defended with discipline against Alaves’s spirited attacks—a team that, due to clear weaknesses in attack, was condemned to defeat despite having a numerical advantage for 30 minutes.

Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a horrific foul on Antonio Blanco that could have broken his leg. From the 38th minute, Real Madrid, with a man down and a lead, found an excuse to do what they are accustomed to even with eleven players: retreat and defend en masse, waiting for counterattacking opportunities. They started the first half in a low block and the second in a deep block, though Alaves’s crosses didn’t trouble them much either.

From a La Liga perspective, this game could be considered acceptable, but to overturn a three-goal deficit against Arsenal, one needs immense faith in this team. The lack of fluidity in their play is disappointing.

Even on a day when Chouameni delivered one of his best defensive performances and Camavinga scored a spectacular goal reminiscent of his peak days, Real Madrid failed to dominate the midfield.

Before Manu Sanchez’s red card in the 69th minute, Alaves controlled possession. If a midfield with three versatile warriors like Chouameni, Valverde, and Camavinga cannot create chances or stop a relegation-threatened opponent from doing so, there’s nothing left to say. But this is Real Madrid today.

Only Ceballos, returning after ten games out injured, can inject some fluidity and collective sense into the team’s play. For this reason, and given the prolonged poor form of Rodrygo and Vinicius, believing in a European comeback is extremely difficult. Realistically, the situation doesn’t look good.

Source: Marca