Zinedine Zidane is already facing the music at the Bernabeu after a miserable pre-season campaign where Madrid only managed to win a couple out of the seven matches they played. Real Madrid will be looking to bounce back by picking up a victory in their first match of the 2019-20 La Liga campaign when they face Celta Vigo away at Balaidos.
Madrid finished in third place last season and they want to make up for it big time, which is explicable given their signings this season, given the fact that they bought the likes of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, and Eder Militao to name a few. Zidane tried the 3-5-2 formation in the pre-season games and there is every chance he might opt for the same in their season opener.
It will be fascinating to observe what kind of performance Los Blancos put up against Celta. With their Champions League crown taken away by Liverpool last term, Madrid have a lot to establish as dark clouds hover around the Santiago Bernabeu.
But they will have an added impetus in this game with title favourites Barcelona losing their first game thereby Zidane the chance to make an early marker.
Thibaut Courtois is Zidane’s last line of defence as he is not particularly fond of Navas. Madrid’s main area of concern is it’s backline as Zidane tries to solve for it by playing three at the back to maintain solidity. Ramos and Varane are likely to be supported by new recruit Eder Militao.
Marcelo and Alvaro Odriozola might start on the left and right back positions respectively as Carvajal is serving a suspension but they are expected to double up as wingers when required, helping Madrid shift from a 5 man defensive unit to a 5 man midfield easily.
The midfield is Madrid’s strongest point but they were not able to perform to their highly esteemed abilities last season. However, the trio of Casemiro, Modric and Kroos can be trusted upon to dominate the middle of the park for the Madridistas.
Karim Benzema was on fire last season and is guaranteed a place in the first team for the Celta fixture but with Eden Hazard absent, there is a chance Isco might get a look in. The Spaniard will be afforded the freedom to operate in the hole and across the frontline as he looks to make a mark early on in the season.
Isco might be replaced by Vinicius Jr or troubled galactico Gareth Bale who has not featured in any of Madrid’s matches yet. Benzema might be replaced by Luka Jovic in the later stages as well but as of now, it looks unlikely that the manager will choose him over the prolific French striker.
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