Five conclusions from Lopetegui's debut with Real Madrid
Five conclusions from Lopetegui's debut with Real Madrid
The first match of the Julen Lopetegui era ended in defeat, and although results are always important for Real Madrid, many things were noted from these 90 minutes
Even without many of their most important players, and facing a season without Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, there were a lot of options to consider.
BBV
Bale, Benzema and Vinicius were in charge of a Real attack where the Frenchman and the Welshman alternated as main striker.
For most of the match the wings belonged to Bale (right) and Vinicius (left), the Welshman linking well with Ordiozola on his side and the Brazilian gaining in confidence as the match went on.
The importance of the full-backs
With undisputed starters Carvajal and Marcelo still away, Lopetegui showed that the full-back position is key in his scheme.
Odriozola was especially good when connecting with Bale and managed to create opportunities.
On the other side, Theo started the play that led to Benzema's goal, but made a mistake for United's first.
Formation
With presumably 90 percent of the starters still on holiday, Lopetegui decided on a 4-3-3 formation.
Marcos Llorente started in midfield with Fede Valverde and Dani Ceballos.
The former Real Betis star had the responsibility of pulling together the team's attacking game, but that's a task for which Lopetegui has plenty of candidates available.
That's why it's possible that the formation seen at the Hard Rock Stadium may be subject to variations throughout the season.
In fact, Lopetegui finished with 4-4-2: Kroos, Isco and Asensio as part of the midfield and strike partnership of Borja Mayoral and Raul De Tomas.
Possession
It was one of the great hallmarks of Lopetegui's Spain side, and it seems that this will continue to be the case at Madrid.
Los Blancos finished the first half with 66 percent possession of the ball, and that went up to 69 percent in the second.
It's true that these percentages didn't translate into a great flow of chances, but with the absence of practically all of the most important players in the team, it's still worthy of praise.
Pressure after losing the ball
It will be another of the hallmarks of the team, although it requires tinkering.
Lopetegui's intention is that his side press up high and put some bite into their tackles after the loss of the ball.
If there's anyone who knows a thing or two about technique, it's former Brazil and Flamengo legend Zico, and the 65-year-old believes that Real Madrid starlet Vinicius needs to improve his shooting ability if he is to fulfil his talent at the highest level.
The 18-year-old new recruit is the latest talented youngster to join the ranks at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, with the Brazilian securing a 45 million euro move earlier this summer.
"In any activity, the secret is in the work, nobody is born knowing, we are born with a gift and the gift is improved," said Zico to MARCA.
"Certain situations can be perfected, mainly certain fundamental aspects of playing football and VinÃcius needs to improve his shooting ability a lot.
"Using the front of the foot is not his strong point, you cannot simply shoot using only one type of shot all the time."
Nevertheless, Zico believes that his compatriot's continued development could see him become one of the world's best in years to come and believes the player's intelligence and ability to weave out of difficult situations is what makes him special.
"He's very talented, he's a player who, I have no doubt, can evolve a lot more, I just hope he does not lose his Brazilian roots," he continued.
"What makes VinÃcius different is what made Neymar different: the one-on-ones, the ability and the intelligence to get out of a difficult situation."
"We are happy to see the talent that he has already begun to show and, right now, it seems the investment made for him was correct.
"He must be patient and wait for the game time to take advantage of the moments when he has the ability to impress."
The first match of the Julen Lopetegui era ended in defeat, and although results are always important for Real Madrid, many things were noted from these 90 minutes
Even without many of their most important players, and facing a season without Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, there were a lot of options to consider.
BBV
Bale, Benzema and Vinicius were in charge of a Real attack where the Frenchman and the Welshman alternated as main striker.
For most of the match the wings belonged to Bale (right) and Vinicius (left), the Welshman linking well with Ordiozola on his side and the Brazilian gaining in confidence as the match went on.
The importance of the full-backs
With undisputed starters Carvajal and Marcelo still away, Lopetegui showed that the full-back position is key in his scheme.
Odriozola was especially good when connecting with Bale and managed to create opportunities.
On the other side, Theo started the play that led to Benzema's goal, but made a mistake for United's first.
Formation
With presumably 90 percent of the starters still on holiday, Lopetegui decided on a 4-3-3 formation.
Marcos Llorente started in midfield with Fede Valverde and Dani Ceballos.
The former Real Betis star had the responsibility of pulling together the team's attacking game, but that's a task for which Lopetegui has plenty of candidates available.
That's why it's possible that the formation seen at the Hard Rock Stadium may be subject to variations throughout the season.
In fact, Lopetegui finished with 4-4-2: Kroos, Isco and Asensio as part of the midfield and strike partnership of Borja Mayoral and Raul De Tomas.
Possession
It was one of the great hallmarks of Lopetegui's Spain side, and it seems that this will continue to be the case at Madrid.
Los Blancos finished the first half with 66 percent possession of the ball, and that went up to 69 percent in the second.
It's true that these percentages didn't translate into a great flow of chances, but with the absence of practically all of the most important players in the team, it's still worthy of praise.
Pressure after losing the ball
It will be another of the hallmarks of the team, although it requires tinkering.
Lopetegui's intention is that his side press up high and put some bite into their tackles after the loss of the ball.
If there's anyone who knows a thing or two about technique, it's former Brazil and Flamengo legend Zico, and the 65-year-old believes that Real Madrid starlet Vinicius needs to improve his shooting ability if he is to fulfil his talent at the highest level.
The 18-year-old new recruit is the latest talented youngster to join the ranks at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, with the Brazilian securing a 45 million euro move earlier this summer.
"In any activity, the secret is in the work, nobody is born knowing, we are born with a gift and the gift is improved," said Zico to MARCA.
"Certain situations can be perfected, mainly certain fundamental aspects of playing football and VinÃcius needs to improve his shooting ability a lot.
"Using the front of the foot is not his strong point, you cannot simply shoot using only one type of shot all the time."
Nevertheless, Zico believes that his compatriot's continued development could see him become one of the world's best in years to come and believes the player's intelligence and ability to weave out of difficult situations is what makes him special.
"He's very talented, he's a player who, I have no doubt, can evolve a lot more, I just hope he does not lose his Brazilian roots," he continued.
"What makes VinÃcius different is what made Neymar different: the one-on-ones, the ability and the intelligence to get out of a difficult situation."
"We are happy to see the talent that he has already begun to show and, right now, it seems the investment made for him was correct.
"He must be patient and wait for the game time to take advantage of the moments when he has the ability to impress."
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