Real Madrid secured an important 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash.
While the tie remains open, the win gives Carlo Ancelotti’s side a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.
However, this match was not without its challenges for Los Blancos, as they entered the contest with several uncertainties surrounding their squad selection.
The absence of Jude Bellingham due to suspension was a significant blow, while Federico Valverde was not in peak physical condition.
Despite this, Valverde delivered a strong performance, proving his resilience and importance to the team.
Some may argue that Ancelotti’s choices were risky, but the final outcome suggests that everything was meticulously thought out. While not everything was perfect, the result speaks for itself.
With Real Madrid holding the upper hand going into the second leg, it is essential to analyse the key talking points from their performance in this hard-fought encounter.
The unsung hero
Brahim Diaz scored the match winner against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
With Bellingham unavailable, Ancelotti had to ensure that his team approached the match with caution.
Given the high stakes of the fixture, it was understandable why a pragmatic setup was preferred. Yet, instead of opting for a drastic change, the manager stuck to a traditional 4-4-2 formation.
Brahim Diaz emerged as the standout performer on the night, playing a decisive role in securing the victory. His goal in the 55th minute proved to be the defining moment of the match, underlining his ability to make an impact when it matters.
However, his contributions extended far beyond the goal. His defensive work rate was exceptional, making him one of the most involved players on the pitch.
He recorded the most tackles won among all Real Madrid players (3) and registered six recoveries, second only to Aurelien Tchouameni’s seven.
Diaz, primarily an attacking playmaker, adapted seamlessly to the defensive requirements of the match.
While he had the freedom to express himself in the attacking third, he was equally disciplined when tracking back, ensuring Madrid maintained their defensive shape.
His positioning on the left side of the midfield line allowed the team to transition smoothly between attack and defence, demonstrating his tactical intelligence and commitment.
Luka Modric – We only have one heart for you to win
Luka Modric brings flair. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Luka Modric’s performance was a reminder of his enduring quality and experience. When Real Madrid struggled to establish control in the game’s opening hour, they appeared disjointed and lacking direction.
The team lacked rhythm and cohesion, giving the impression that they were improvising their approach rather than executing a structured plan.
However, everything changed when Modric was introduced. The 39-year-old midfielder, wearing the captain’s armband as soon as he stepped onto the pitch, dictated the tempo of the game with his exceptional passing and vision.
Real Madrid instantly looked more composed, structured, and fluid in possession. His influence was undeniable, and Atletico Madrid struggled to contain him.
Modric completed all 50 of his attempted passes. His involvement was not limited to simple distribution; he delivered two crosses and came agonisingly close to scoring in stoppage time with a shot from the edge of the box.
His introduction turned the game in Madrid’s favour, bringing an air of authority and confidence that had been lacking earlier in the match.
With Tchouameni already securing his place in the starting XI, and Modric proving his worth once again, a debate is bound to arise regarding midfield selections for the second leg.
More to Madrid than Mbappe and Vinicius
A key takeaway from this match was that Real Madrid’s victory was achieved despite underwhelming performances from two of their biggest attacking stars, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid are much more than Mbappe and Vinicius. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The two forwards, widely expected to be the difference-makers, struggled to make a significant impact on the game. Yesterday, neither player was able to impose themselves on the contest.
Vinicius found it difficult to break free from the defensive attention of Marcos Llorente, while Mbappe, expected to deliver in crucial moments, failed to pose a real threat to Diego Simeone’s well-organised defence.
The duo managed just one shot on target each and completed only one successful dribble apiece.
Without space to exploit, they found themselves stifled by Atletico’s defensive structure.
In the second half, when Llorente was no longer marking Vinicius as tightly, the Brazilian found some relief in dealing with Nahuel Molina, but he still struggled to find his rhythm.
Ancelotti continuously provided instructions from the sidelines, but the pair remained largely ineffective throughout the match.
Despite their struggles, Real Madrid still managed to come out on top, which speaks volumes about the depth and versatility of this squad.
Even when their two main attacking outlets underperformed, other players stepped up to ensure a positive result.
This reinforces the idea that Real Madrid are not solely reliant on individual brilliance but have the collective strength to win important matches.