An empty Santiago Bernabeu was looking for a reaction from Real Madrid following defeat to Real Sociedad on Sunday evening, and Santiago Solaris men lived up to expectations despite a slow start. It wasnt until the stroke of half-time when Alvaro Odriozola was hauled down by former Barcelona youth product Gerard Gumbau, allowing Sergio Ramos to convert from the penalty spot.
The second half saw Vinicius Junior come into his own, first assisting Lucas Vazquez to score into an empty net and then scoring himself with a fine volley to put the icing on the cake in a 3-0 victory. Here, our tactical analysis will use statistics to identify what key points Real Madrid can take from the game as they secured a first leg win in the last 16 round of the Copa del Rey against Leganes.
Isco has no place at Real Madrid under Santiago Solari
One of the most controversial headlines from the game came before kick-off, as Solari opted to leave Isco on the bench yet again. The former Malaga man has made just two starts in 16 games under the Argentinian and its clear that he doesnt have much of a role to play as long as the current coach is in charge. What made it perhaps even more clear was the role that he played once Isco finally did make it onto the field of play with 21 minutes remaining and the game already looking settled.
It only takes a look at his heatmap to see that he himself had no clue what his role was. Primarily on the left, he floated around but removed the rigidity and structure that Solari has been so keen to implement. In this rigid 4-3-3 set-up, there is no space for an attacking-minded playmaker in the midfield nor in attack. It is no coincidence that Solari has fallen out with Isco given the way he is looking to structure his side, and there is clearly no rush from the players side to make amends either.
Having lost the ball with one in every five of his involvements, Isco has work to do. If he does not fit into the coachs plans, he must up his game to prove that his quality is simply too good to ignore. To date, he has failed to do that. His opportunities have been limited, so he must capitalise when given the opportunity to do so.
The first half was cagey to say the least
There was a tense atmosphere among the few fans at the Bernabeu, despite ticket prices starting at just 15 euros. It clearly transmitted onto the players as well, particularly given that there were more ball losses in the first half, at 49, than in any game since the thrashing at the hands of Eibar. Perhaps the clearest demonstration came just before half-time as Odriozola broke through, as he would go on to do only a couple of minutes later to win a penalty.
Odriozola burst down the wing, placed
