Real Madrid Needs Changes

            Today Real Madrid faced off against Cordoba, and with Carlo Ancelotti insisting that his team doesn’t require rotation, nearly came up short. Cordoba played against a disconnected Real Madrid, staying composed in their attacks and being the first to every ball. Going into halftime, Cordoba had plenty of momentum and it seemed almost certain that they would come away with at least one point from the match. Of all things to give Cordoba hope and ruin Real Madrid, Ronaldo getting sent off for violent conduct would be at the top of the list, and Cordoba was sitting pretty well. Then finally, a late penalty for Real Madrid gave Bale his chance at goal which he put away, giving Real Madrid a close 2-1 victory. With a slow start to 2015 for Madrid, Ancelotti may want to reconsider changing the team up more often, especially with greater opponents coming in the future. With games against Sevilla and Atletico ahead and Ronaldo facing suspension time, Madrid needs to regroup and look at what they can change.

            First, a look at the good for Real Madrid in the game. To start, Iker Casillas continued to prove why he remains their top goalkeeper despite some of his poorer performances. While his defense failed him repeatedly, Casillas was able to shut down clear opportunities by Cordoba on goal. Madrid really have their keeper to thank for the three points they earned from the game. While some of Real Madrid’s attacking side was active and lively, they were ineffective a lot of the time. The effort was there, but they were lacking a connection needed to be an effective attacking force. Bale was able to step up and take the winning penalty kick, showing responsibility while the rest of his team lacked.

            As shown by Real Madrid, a team can have some of the best players around on paper but still struggle against a team like Cordoba. This year’s recent Ballon d’Or winner Christiano Ronaldo got so frustrated in the game that he took it out on an opponent, getting a straight red card. Obviously there was a disjointed team playing today, and the world’s best player made a poor choice when dealing with it. Instead of taking responsibility for his team, Ronaldo let it get to him and he hurt his team even further. Maybe the starting team needs some rest, or the players need some rotation, but either way, something needs to be changed for Real Madrid. Ancelotti needs to be more open to changes in lineups and play styles if he wants the team to be successful going forward. Otherwise, in their current state and progression, stronger teams will beat them and they could move down in the league standings. All is not lost by any means, and I have no doubt that Real Madrid will continue to win games, but not without any changes.