Three answers and three questions from Real Madrid’s loss at Manchester City
Real Madrid's hopes of winning the 2022/23 Champions League came to an end as they suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in the second leg of the semi-final at The Etihad. The match raised several important questions, and here are three of them, along with their corresponding answers, as well as three additional debates that will likely emerge in the aftermath of this disappointing result.
One of the pre-match questions revolved around Real Madrid's ability to breach the formidable fortress of The Etihad. Manchester City had an impeccable home record, winning all 14 of their games in 2023, while Real Madrid had never emerged victorious in their previous four visits. As the match unfolded, it became apparent that Real Madrid would not be able to overcome the challenges posed by Manchester City's strong home form, succumbing to a comprehensive 4-0 defeat.
Another question centered on whether Real Madrid's full-backs, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga, could replicate their outstanding performances from the first leg. However, they failed to meet expectations, as Carvajal struggled against Jack Grealish, while Camavinga was unable to contain Bernardo Silva, who not only neutralized him but also scored two crucial goals. The outcome of these individual battles played a significant role in Manchester City's dominance over Real Madrid.
A point of discussion before the match was whether Antonio Rüdiger should be included in the starting lineup, given his impressive display in the first leg against Erling Haaland. However, coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to bench the German defender, opting for a partnership between David Alaba and Éder Militão instead. While Haaland was more active in this game and forced some outstanding saves from Thibaut Courtois, Rüdiger's presence may not have changed the outcome significantly, as City took the lead without relying on the Norwegian striker. Ancelotti's decision to bring on Rüdiger later in the game could be seen as an acknowledgment of his potential contribution from the start.
Moving on to the questions arising from the match, one wonders what Courtois, Real Madrid's goalkeeper, must have been thinking during and after the game. Despite conceding four goals, Courtois displayed exceptional shot-stopping abilities, making remarkable saves, particularly against Haaland. However, he could only watch helplessly as City's relentless attacks overwhelmed his defense.
With Real Madrid's season effectively over after this defeat, attention turns to the summer and potential squad changes. The acquisition of Jude Bellingham has been mentioned, but many question whether it will be sufficient or if additional top-tier players are needed to bolster the team. Ancelotti believes the current squad is capable of winning another Champions League title, but his opinion is not widely shared among observers.
Finally, the overall assessment of Real Madrid's 2022/23 season will likely impact Ancelotti's future at the club. While reaching the Champions League semi-finals can be considered impressive, their lackluster performance in LaLiga raises doubts. Although Real Madrid clinched the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and Copa del Rey, their disappointing league campaign casts a shadow over their achievements. Ancelotti remains confident in fulfilling his contract, which runs until 2024, but whether the season's disappointments outweigh the successes is a topic of debate.
In conclusion, Real Madrid's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Manchester City prompts various questions and discussions. The inability to breach The Etihad's fortress, the struggles of Carvajal and Camavinga, and the decision to drop Rüdiger all contributed to the disappointing result. Looking ahead, the thoughts of Courtois, the potential impact of Bellingham's arrival, and the
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