Real Madrid Falls Short in Preseason Friendly Against Juventus
Introduction
Real Madrid suffered a disappointing defeat against Italian side Juventus in a preseason friendly match played in Orlando. The Spanish giants conceded two easy goals in the first half and struggled to score despite creating several chances. This follows a 3-0 loss to rivals Barcelona in their previous match. While preseason results do not always reflect a team’s true potential, fans have expressed concerns about Real Madrid’s performance and the absence of key players.
The Match: Analysis and Key Moments
In the opening minute of the match, Juventus seized the opportunity and scored a goal as Moise Keane tapped in a rebound after a shot hit the post. They went on to dismantle Real Madrid’s defense for the other two goals as Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled without Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield and with their fullbacks pushing high into the attack throughout the match.
Real Madrid managed to pull one goal back before halftime through Vinicius Jr.’s impressive individual effort. However, they were frustrated in their attempts to score more goals due to Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s solid performance and misses from Real Madrid forward Joselu.
Controversy also arose at the end of the match when a foul on a Juventus player inside their box was incorrectly awarded as a free-kick outside the box. This decision deprived Real Madrid of a potential penalty kick that could have given them a chance to equalize. The absence of VAR technology at the venue meant that the decision could not be reversed.
The Benzema Void and the Struggles of Vinicius Jr.
One of the main concerns for Real Madrid this season will be replacing the playmaking ability, class, and prolific goal-scoring of Karim Benzema, who left the club during the summer. Joselu, who has shown promise as a super-sub, had a chance to prove himself as a starter against Juventus but failed to impress. Vinicius Jr., despite scoring the sole goal for Real Madrid, was unable to involve other attackers effectively. Last season, Vinicius Jr. and Benzema had a clear chemistry, frequently combining for one-touch combinations that carved open defenses. Vinicius Jr. must quickly develop a similar understanding with Rodrygo and/or Joselu to avoid a difficult season of relying solely on his individual brilliance.
Ancelotti’s Dilemma: Finding the Best Starting XI
Preseason matches often involve experimentation with different player combinations. But with four preseason matches played, it is expected that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has gained enough insight to determine his ideal starting lineup. Based on performances so far, the most effective Real Madrid starting XI seems to consist of Thibaut Courtois in goal, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia in defense, Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga in midfield, and Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham leading the attack. This lineup would leave veteran midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos on the bench. However, Ancelotti may need to evaluate the productivity of this system, particularly regarding the impact of Bellingham in a central attacking role. Against Barcelona and Juventus, Bellingham did not exert much influence on the attack.
Juventus: Transition and Needs for the Season
Juventus, facing a season without European competition, had a positive end to their preseason tour, securing a prestigious win against a Real Madrid team expected to challenge for the La Liga title. While they possess a strong starting lineup capable of a top-four finish in Serie A, manager Max Allegri must focus on developing reliable depth among the younger players in the squad. The club is reportedly exploring the possibility of a swap deal between Dusan Vlahovic and Romelu Lukaku to bolster their attack. Juventus requires a consistent striker to complement the creative contributions of Federico Chiesa, Filip Kostic, and Matias Soule. Without European competition, a top-four finish in Serie A is within their reach. However, they face tough competition from Milan, Napoli, and Inter Milan, who have stronger squads and are likely to finish higher in the league standings.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s preseason performances have raised concerns among supporters. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities, lack of finishing in front of goal, and challenges in finding a replacement for Karim Benzema have highlighted areas for improvement. On the other hand, Juventus demonstrated the potential to have a successful season despite their absence from European competition. The club needs to address their attacking needs and develop reliable depth to secure a top-four finish in Serie A. While preseason matches may not be definitive, Real Madrid and Juventus must address the weaknesses identified before the start of their respective league seasons.
<< photo by Markus Spiske >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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