Real Madrid had a bad start in the 2020-21 Champions League stage, but there is still a chance for Zinedine Zidane’s men to qualify for the last 16.
Madrid appeared awkward in the first two Group B matches of this season’s Champions League. They seem to have forgotten that they are giants in the most elite competition in the continent of blue.
On the first matchday, they got a golden opportunity to reap full points. Because they played at their own headquarters and faced Shakhtar Donetsk.
In fact, they even lost by a score of 2-3. Even though they dominate possession.
Then on the second matchday, they struggled against Borussia Monchengladbach. Even Madrid almost lost thanks to the action of Marcus Thuram, if not saved by Casemiro darn Karim Benzema.
Madrid has now only earned one point from two matches. As a result, El Real is now in the bottom position of Group B. They are now in great danger of not qualifying for the last 16.
However, there are still several reasons why Real Madrid will be able to qualify from the group stage and qualify for the last 16. What are the reasons for that? Check out the following review.
Eden Hazard’s return
Eden Hazard has had no luck since coming to Real Madrid. He continues to be wracked with injuries.
Most recently, he suffered a thigh muscle injury at the end of September. He only started recovering after one month.
Hazard himself can play against Borussia Monchengladbach. He entered in the second half. His appearance was quite decent.
The Belgian winger has yet to perform at his best. But at a glance he can show what he can do for Madrid.
Hazard then played against Huesca. In this match the game is quite bad. What should be praised is that he opened the tap of Madrid’s goal which then won 4-1.
Hazard at that time scored a goal from a long distance shot. Amazingly, he did it with his left foot. This will certainly boost Hazard’s motivation in the future.
Marco Asensio is Fit Again
Marco Asensio is one of the Real Madrid players who performed well when he played against Borussia Monchengladbach. Its performance is reminiscent of the past.
To be precise, at the time Asensio had yet to experience a knee injury. He will play without fear, dare to break through the opponent’s defense and create tempest in the opponent’s penalty box.
The return to form of the 24-year-old player will certainly make Zinedine Zidane happy. And even though Asensio didn’t score in that match, he was one of the three forwards who threatened Gladbach’s goal the most.
One Precious Point
One point is better than nothing. The points won while playing at Borussia Monchengladbach’s headquarters mean a lot to Real Madrid.
Especially seeing how they get these points. They were able to come from behind, two goals as well. The ability to get one point while they are dying is in the DNA of the club.
In addition, that one point makes Madrid currently not too far behind the other teams in Group B. They are only three points behind Shakhtar Donestk, and only one point from Gladbach and Inter Milan.
There are still four games left for Madrid. Their chances are still wide open.
Zidane Sang Bang Jago
Zinedine Zidane is a very successful coach in the Champions League. Throughout his career as a coach, only last season he failed to win the competition.
In addition, Zidane is a coach who is good at motivating his foster children. The man from France is good at making the atmosphere of the team changing room conducive.
More importantly, Zidane also has the trust of all Madrid players. This is certainly not easy for a coach to get, especially at a club like El Real.
Real Madrid Love the Champions League
Real Madrid is arguably synonymous with the Champions League. This is only natural because they are the most successful team in the competition.
They hold the champion record 13 times. Los Blancos also always qualify from the group phase, at least from the 1997-98 season.
Real Madrid are clearly in love with this UEFA Champions League competition. They will definitely continue to insist on playing in order to get full points in the following matches.
