“Dazzling Vinicius Shines as Real Madrid Triumphs over Juventus: Score, Result, and Highlights”

Real Madrid Falters in Preseason Friendlies

Real Madrid’s preseason friendlies against Italian side Juventus and Spanish rivals Barcelona have revealed some concerning weaknesses in the team. In both matches, Real Madrid struggled defensively, conceding easy goals, while also failing to capitalize on scoring chances. As a result, they suffered a 3-1 loss to Juventus and a 3-0 defeat against Barcelona. These performances have left Real Madrid supporters feeling less excited about the upcoming 2023/24 season.

Defensive Frailties

Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities were evident in both matches. Against Juventus, they allowed an opening-minute goal, with Moise Kean tapping in a rebound after a shot hit the post. Juventus went on to pick apart Real Madrid’s defense for the other two goals. This exposed the difficulties Real Madrid faced without midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, as well as the tactical decisions of pushing their fullbacks high into the attack throughout the match.

Struggles in Attack

While Real Madrid managed to pull a goal back against Juventus before halftime through Vinicius Jr.’s individual brilliance, their attacking prowess was lacking for the majority of the match. Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny put in a solid performance, and Real Madrid forward Joselu missed two clear-cut opportunities. Vinicius Jr. himself struggled to involve other players in the attack, leading to frustration for Real Madrid.

Contingency Plans for Karim Benzema’s Departure

One of the key challenges Real Madrid faces this season is filling the void left by Karim Benzema, who departed for Saudi Arabia in the summer. Joselu, who has shown promise as a substitute, did not impress as a starter against Juventus. While he missed two difficult chances, the fanbase may not be satisfied with his performance. Vinicius Jr., who scored a goal, failed to establish the same chemistry he had with Benzema last season. It remains to be seen if he can develop a strong partnership with Rodrygo or Joselu, or if Real Madrid will struggle with a lack of goals.

Ancelotti’s Starting XI and Tactical Adjustments

During the preseason friendlies, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti experimented with different combinations of players. However, it is yet to be determined if he has identified his best starting lineup and tactical approach for the upcoming season. Based on the performances in the recent friendlies, the most effective Real Madrid starting XI could be a 4-3-3 formation with Thibaut Courtois in goal, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia in defense, and Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. Jude Bellingham would play as a central attacking midfielder, while Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo would feature as the forwards.

Evaluation of Carlo Ancelotti’s Tactical System

However, it is worth noting that Bellingham’s performance as an attacking midfielder in the friendlies against Barcelona and Juventus was not outstanding. This could lead to a reconsideration of Ancelotti’s tactical system, with Bellingham potentially playing a central midfield role and a front three of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde. Such a combination showed promise in the previous season and could provide a more impactful attacking threat.

Juventus in Transition

While Real Madrid’s performances in the friendlies raise concerns, Juventus demonstrated their ability to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. With an opening-minute goal against Real Madrid and a solid 3-2 draw against AC Milan in a previous friendly, Juventus showed that they are prepared for the upcoming season. However, they still have areas to address, particularly in finding a reliable center-forward in the transfer market.

European Competition Ban and Top-Four Battle

Juventus will face a season without European competition due to their ban. This may be a factor in their pursuit of a top-four finish in Serie A, as they compete with Milan, Napoli, and Inter, who boast stronger squads. Teams like Roma, Atalanta, and Lazio will also be vying for the fourth spot, creating a tightly contested battle for a Champions League berth.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s preseason friendlies have exposed areas of concern, particularly in their defense and attack. The team will need to address these issues and find suitable solutions before the start of the La Liga season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti must carefully evaluate his starting XI and consider tactical adjustments to ensure a more cohesive and productive team. Juventus, on the other hand, has shown promise despite their ban from European competition. They will need to strengthen their squad, particularly in the center-forward position, to secure a top-four finish in Serie A. Both teams have work to do before their respective league campaigns begin, and their performances in the preseason highlight the areas that need improvement.