Real Madrid, this century-old powerhouse, always manages to catch you off guard just when you're about to forget them. Imagine playing with one less man, missing a penalty, and having a goal disallowed; could you still win the game? Most teams would probably have surrendered by now. But Real Madrid not only won, but also staged a comeback! This wasn't just plain good luck; behind it all was Ancelotti, the experienced old coach, who, like a seasoned chef, crafted a "tactical feast" - the 4231 formation - using the "ingredients" at hand.
The match at Valencia's home ground was truly full of danger. Real Madrid didn't have an easy time, as their opponents' tenacious resistance left them struggling at times. The game reached the 27th minute when Valencia's Duro took advantage of an opportunity to score a rebound, leaving Real Madrid trailing 0-1. It was a bitter taste, especially when playing away. After finally getting a penalty from Mbappe, Bellingham missed it, which was really disappointing. Even more frustrating was that after Mbappe managed to score a goal, it was disallowed by the referee for offside. These consecutive blows would be unbearable for anyone. However, Real Madrid held on, gritted their teeth, and refused to give up.
However, fate seemed to play a cruel joke on Real Madrid. In the 79th minute of the game, Vinicius was sent off with a red card for a foul, forcing Real Madrid to play with one less man. Now they were already trailing and down a man; could they still turn the game around? Many thought Real Madrid had no chance, but then a miracle happened. In the dying moments of the game, veteran Modric stepped up, blasting a world-class shot through the opponent's goal to level the score. And that wasn't all; during stoppage time, it was Bellingham again, who intercepted and pushed the ball into the net to complete the decisive strike! The plot was more thrilling than a movie.
The victory of this match is undoubtedly attributed to Ancelotti. After losing to Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti began to ponder where the team's problems lay. He found that the existing lineup and tactical system did not maximize the potential of the players. Therefore, he boldly changed the formation to 4231, placing Bellingham in the attacking midfield position. This position could be considered Bellingham's "comfort zone," allowing him to fully exert his organizational and offensive abilities. And what happened? Bellingham went on a rampage, creating 6 goals in the next 6 games, becoming Real Madrid's undisputed attacking core.
Bellingham, this young man, really has some skills. His technique is comprehensive, his awareness outstanding, and he can not only score goals himself but also create opportunities for his teammates. More importantly, he has a big heart and never falters in crucial moments. Think about this game; he first missed a penalty and then made amends with a goal and an assist. Which coach wouldn't like such a player? Compared to other star players, Bellingham's role is even more irreplaceable; he is the true hope for Real Madrid's future.
Ancelotti's change in formation not only activated Bellingham but also helped other players find their positions, making the team's attack and defense more balanced and overall strength enhanced. This victory propelled Real Madrid to the top of the La Liga standings, leading Atletico Madrid by 2 points and Barcelona by 5 points. This is undoubtedly a huge boost for Real Madrid.
Of course, the battle for the La Liga title has just begun, and if Real Madrid wants to win the championship in the end, they still have a long way to go. They need to maintain a stable state and avoid the impact of injuries and suspensions. Ancelotti also needs to make corresponding tactical adjustments based on different opponents. However, given Real Madrid's current form and strength, they are absolutely capable of achieving good results this season.
This thrilling comeback has shown fans Real Madrid's resilience and their spirit of never giving up. Ancelotti's rejuvenation has filled fans with expectations for Real Madrid's future. Bellingham's rise has given Real Madrid fans new hope. The La Liga stage is made more exciting because of Real Madrid's presence. Let's look forward together to this venerable powerhouse creating more miracles in the new season!