According to “Varzesh3,” Alvaro Benito, a former Real Madrid player from 1995 to 2002, analyzed Real Madrid’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, which was secured by a late goal from Fede Valverde in extra time.

The 48-year-old former player spoke on the “Football on Movistar Plus” program about the makeshift solutions Carlo Ancelotti has had to use and their impact on Real Madrid’s performance—a team that, according to him, has played with uncertainty throughout the season.

Benito explained: “Ancelotti has been forced to use temporary solutions due to numerous injuries in Real Madrid’s defense. This has also affected the midfield, as Valverde and Tchouaméni have had to play out of position, reducing the continuity of having three fixed players in the midfield.”

Alvaro Benito clearly identified what Real Madrid has been missing this season.

He believes that “the lack of creative players in midfield is the main problem, preventing the team from making effective passes into the opponent’s defensive lines.”

The former player emphasized that Real Madrid’s style relies on playmaking from the wings and “long switches from one side to another to create one-on-one situations,” and what the team lacks is playmaking from the center of the pitch and the ability of central defenders to make effective passes.

He concluded by saying: “This is what really hurts the opponent and can create more space, but Real Madrid struggles in this area, and this is the biggest difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona this season.”