MADRID — If Kylian Mbappé’s Champions League masterclass for Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday had Actual Madrid followers dreaming concerning the future, Madrid’s limp 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig a day later — narrowly scraping by means of to the quarterfinals 2-1 on combination — introduced them crashing again all the way down to earth.
This was a worryingly flat round-of-16 efficiency from Madrid, providing little in assault and searching susceptible in defence. A group with extra high quality and cooler heads than Leipzig — who had 20 pictures to Madrid’s 11 — may need made them pay for it. A significant enchancment might be required if Madrid are to problem the likes of Manchester Metropolis on this competitors this season.
On the intense facet, there’s Jude Bellingham. This was his first Champions League knockout match for Madrid after lacking the primary leg in Germany, and he offered the second of the sport with a perceptive go for Vinícius Júnior to open the scoring. Six Champions League appearances for Madrid, and Bellingham has scored or assisted in each, for a complete of 4 targets and 4 assists in Europe this season.
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The pre-match environment on the Santiago Bernabeu was quiet. Madrid’s 1-0 lead from the primary leg on Feb. 13 meant that this time, no trademark epic comeback was required; the group merely needed to shield, or add to, that lead. That was mirrored in a conservative group picked by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Bellingham and Vinicius have been joined by Federico Valverde in a entrance three — with Bellingham working by means of the center — forward of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga in midfield.
It did not work. Madrid discovered it troublesome to create possibilities within the first half, and the sport’s greatest alternatives fell to the guests. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin saved properly from Xavi Simons, earlier than Loïs Openda fired an excellent likelihood simply vast. Lengthy earlier than half-time there have been expectant whistles from the Bernabeu crowd, demanding extra from their group. Bellingham’s place as a “false 9” was limiting the group’s attacking risk, with no first-half pictures on track. A change on the interval noticed Rodrygo exchange Camavinga, becoming a member of Bellingham and Vinicius in assault.
There was extra hazard from Leipzig early within the second half, with Lunin recovering properly to say the ball from Openda after racing off his line, whereas Vinicius was lucky to obtain solely a yellow card for an off-the-ball shove of defender Willi Orbán. Nonetheless, Bellingham may have given Madrid the lead after an hour. His shot appeared destined for the underside nook earlier than it was inadvertently blocked by Rodrygo. Three minutes later, with Madrid bettering, Rodrygo had a shot saved by keeper Péter Gulácsi.
Bellingham’s invention made the breakthrough. Launched by Kroos within the sixty fifth minute, the England midfielder burst forwards, delaying his go till the final second to search out Vinicius, by means of on aim. The Brazilian completed together with his first contact. Within the celebrations, he pointed at Bellingham, urging the gang to recognise his contribution because the aim’s architect.
That ought to have been that, however 4 minutes later, Leipzig have been degree, with Orban beating Nacho Fernandez to David Raum’s cross to go previous Lunin. That meant for a nervy final 20 minutes, as Madrid defended a one-goal lead within the tie. Dani Olmo even hit the crossbar within the 92nd minute, inches away from forcing additional time.
In the end, Madrid are within the quarterfinals, and that is what issues. They’ve belayed underwhelming general shows to go all the way in which on this competitors earlier than, as they did in 2022. However a take a look at the group’s performances over the past two months reveals a worrying development. Leaving apart their complete 4-0 demolition of Girona in LaLiga on Feb. 10, they have not been taking part in properly. It is now three attracts of their final 4 video games in all competitions, and their two wins since beating Girona have been by only one aim.
Bellingham’s two-game home suspension, which might preserve him out till March 31 until an enchantment is profitable, will not assist. Vinicius is scoring targets — this was his third in two video games — however he wants assist. Rodrygo, so usually vital within the Champions League however benched towards Leipzig, has scored as soon as within the final two months. In LaLiga, Madrid’s seven-point lead on the prime of the desk needs to be sufficient to get them over the road, however within the Champions League they’re going to want extra.
Mbappé may be incoming this summer season, however this Madrid group may do with a few of his magic before that.