Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 by Juventus yesterday in a clash that left many people asking questions about the reigning champions. Madrid were exposed as early as the opening nine minutes by former player Alvaro
Morata. Though star man Ronaldo cancelled out that lead in the 27th minute, Madrid continued to huff and puff without much meaningful chances. Towards the end of the first half, James Rodriguez nearly put the visitors ahead when he pounced onto an Isco cross but he was unfortunate to hit the cross bar. It was obvious that Madrid missed the injured pair of Modric and Benzema.
Though the Old Lady also missed the services of powerful young midfielder Pogba, Tevez proved a constant threat to the back four for Madrid. Ultimately he won and slotted home the penalty that gave Juventus the narrow first leg win.
It remains to be seen next week how crucial Ronaldo's away goal could be. Madrid will have to pull up a better performance and try to stop Juventus from scoring. In my opinion, the tie is still open and Real
Madrid will be through to the final. What they need however is a better perfomance in front of their own crowd.
The defeat yesterday uncovered many problems that a few can see in the Madrid team. This
current team has a good first 11 but not good substitutes. Imagine that Real Madrid, with their vast amount of wealth fail to have a world class striker to replace Benzema. Teams like Atletico Madrid can call upon Griezmann and Mandzukic. Also there is no replacement for Modric which is why we saw Ramos playing in midfield and Ancelloti fielding two number 10s in Isco and James. Juventus managed to replace their Pogba, playing the likes of Sturaro and Pirlo in midfield. Real Madrid have to buy two or three players in the summer to fill in those positions. With this current crop, they stand the risk of finishing the season empty handed.