Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid did not enjoy the best of nights when they took on SC Braga at the Estadio Municipal de Braga last month.
The hosts, though relatively new to the elite European stage, put pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s side for large parts of the game and even finished the game with a higher xG tally.
The eventual result, thus, was harsh on the hosts. Precise finishes from Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid return home with all three points and a comfortable lead in the standings.
Come Wednesday, the two teams lock horns once more. The home advantage will be on Real Madrid’s side this time around, giving them an impetus to improve their performance and result against Artur Jorge’s men.
Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs SC Braga.
A rare hiccup
Real Madrid’s win in El Clasico was significant in many ways. For starters, it put the Merengues four points ahead of arch-rivals Barcelona in the league title race. Yet, the psychological impact of the defeat on the Catalans and the win on the capital club’s dressing room is a matter less talked about.
The game last month summarised Los Blancos’ season so far in a nutshell. Indeed, the men in white have been far from convincing in most of their outings this season, banking on individual brilliance to pull them out.
Yet, they have managed to roll the wins in convincingly. It may not be the ideal way to rope in three points, but they are three points regardless.
Of their 14 games ahead of kickoff against Rayo Vallecano, Carlo Ancelotti’s men had walked away winners on twelve occasions. Their only defeat came against Atletico Madrid, and the record spoke volumes about their ability to deliver the winning punch irrespective of the game situation.
That, however, was exactly what did not happen in the last game vs Rayo. Over 90 minutes, Real Madrid accumulated an xG of 2.19 and had 22 shots on target. They had two big chances, a lethal counterattack and 14 shots inside the box, only for the game to end 0-0.
It was a rare hiccup from a team on song, and Ancelotti will hope his men let it pass as an unlucky draw. What is important is that they come out all guns blazing tomorrow, looking to get back to winning ways against Braga.
After all, Braga are no easy fish and were the better side against Real Madrid in their most recent meeting.
The big doubt
Jude Bellingham has quickly established himself as a regular at Real Madrid. The new acquisition has had an incredible start to life in Spain and is already the team’s most important player.
So far this season, he has ten goals in eleven La Liga games and three in three European games for the club. He has excelled as the attacking midfielder in a diamond formation.
Ancelotti’s intentions were jeopardized by Bellingham’s fitness setback against Rayo Vallecano last weekend.
Only 10 minutes into the game at the Santiago Bernabeu, the teenager suffered a hefty tumble to the ground, landing awkwardly on his shoulder. Despite finishing the game severely strapped, testing indicated a dislocated shoulder.
Bellingham has been included to the midweek squad, but the management is likely to prioritize his health over the UCL match. Ancelotti has a hurdle to climb without the team’s biggest offensive weapon.
The tactical modification
Bellingham has had such an influence on this Real Madrid team that Ancelotti is allegedly considering a formation change against Braga because to his fitness issues.
On the night, Real Madrid might line up in a 4-4-3 formation to emphasize their solidity. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric might both start as interiors on the night, with Eduardo Camavinga covering in defensive midfield.
Federico Valverde is anticipated to start on the right flank, as he did last season, while Vinicius Jr will play on the left. Rodrygo Goes is the best candidate to start as center forward.
It remains to be seen how the squad handles a sudden change in system, if the manager makes such an alteration. Needless to say, all eyes will be on the middle.
