Milan aggravate Real Madrid's crisis as they continue with wet powder still on the table
Real Madrid face a crisis. Two consecutive defeats and nine goals conceded in the last three games. Against Milan, it all started with a tribute to the victims of the floods in Valencia. A flag of the Valencian Community covered a heartfelt minute's silence for the victims. The Italian team also joined in the grief, as did other grounds across Europe. A gesture that does credit to UEFA, which is not usually sensitive to such situations.
Real Madrid already knew that Leao would be Fonseca's weapon in attack. A quick player behind Lucas Vázquez. The script was fulfilled, but first Real Madrid had to show their defensive incontinence in a corner that Thiaw headed home at the near post.
Morata's goal was the absolute debacle. A rude mistake by Tchouaméni on the ball out left Leao alone in the box, the Portuguese turned inside the area in front of Militao's sloppiness and, although Lunin stopped the first shot, there was Morata to finish off the second goal and receive another Bernabéu cheer. His ‘V’ with his fingers and his gaze to the sky served as a tribute to the victims in Valencia.
Real Madrid went into the break with a defeat and little desire to pick themselves up. Ancelotti brought on Camavinga and Brahim and, later on, Ceballos, Rodrygo and Fran García. There was no sign of Güler or Endrick, something that annoyed the Bernabéu who were expecting two youngsters with magic to revolutionise the game. The Turkish player is strange, the media have already reported that Ancelotti does not trust him and that usually comes directly from the White House so the bench will be his natural habitat for the next few months.
Reijnders scored the winner in the 73rd minute after Leao's run left Lucas and Militao in his wake and he was up against an out-of-sorts defence. The Dutchman struck inside the area and the Bernabéu collapsed at that point. The standings put Los Blancos 17th and they should be through to the last 16, although the problem is compounded by upcoming visits to Liverpool and Atalanta.
The focus on Ancelotti is inevitable once we know there will be no signings. The Italian is required to find the key and the departure of Kroos cannot be a drama that will throw the league away in November. Mbappé does not work in that position and Vinicius is starting to be a problem more often than a solution. Barça are flying and the European champions are missing in action.
