Real Madrid's "Dance on the Cliff Edge": Winning Matches, but the Crisis Lingers
Recently, Real Madrid has seen a surge in their performance—four wins and one draw, propelling them back to the top of La Liga. However, does this mean Real Madrid can rest easy? In fact, while they have been winning matches, problems persist! The defense is as leaky as a punctured balloon, key players are dropping like flies due to injuries, and the underwhelming form of certain substitutes only adds to the frustration. How is the resurgent Real Madrid managing to dance on the edge of crisis? What are the visible and invisible stories behind this?
If we were to compare Real Madrid's squad to a house, then their current defense would be akin to a void in the foundation—seemingly on the brink of collapse at any moment. With Alaba out long-term due to injury and Militao once again sidelined for most of the season with a serious injury, two key defensive pillars have fallen. Meanwhile, left-back Mendy's form has been consistently poor, leading some to question whether he has lost his "defensive playbook." Over the past few months, Real Madrid has relied solely on Rudiger to shoulder the heavy defensive burden; frankly, he has truly "borne the weight of justice."
Is that all? Not quite! Even more troubling is the team's need to consider the cleanup of "inefficient resources," such as Vallejo. This central defender has only played for ten minutes throughout the entire season yet managed to cause two goals conceded, earning him the title of "self-destructive point in the team's defense."
Moreover, his injuries have become a liability, further straining an already thinly stretched defense. Real Madrid has clearly had enough and decided to terminate his contract and show him the door. This decision was made swiftly, though it may seem somewhat "unyielding," it also comes across as playful: with such performances, who would want to keep him and risk the embarrassment?
With these issues laid bare, something must be done to resolve them, right? Real Madrid has finally stopped making temporary fixes and is seriously rethinking their defensive strategy. According to sources, they have set their sights on Bournemouth's promising talents—central defender Dean Hojbjerg and left-back Kolkicz—and plan to bring this "twin star" duo on board. It is reported that the combined transfer fee for these two could be around 70 million euros. Hojbjerg excels at aerial duels, while Kolkicz offers stability with a touch of finesse; placed within Real Madrid's fragmented defense, they could fill in the crucial "puzzle pieces."
In addition to reinforcing the defense, Real Madrid has also confirmed the signing of another "big fish": Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. It is expected that this transfer will be completed at the end of the season for a fee of 60 million euros. Zubimendi's willingness to join could directly alleviate the pressure on Real Madrid's midfield, which is the main focus. However, there are concerns that once Zubimendi takes his place, Ceballos might be pushed into the rotation zone, and the potential impact on the dressing room's chemistry remains unpredictable. These detailed issues are difficult to forecast at present.
Fans may have noticed another interesting development: Real Madrid is not only bringing in new players but also considering selling some, particularly some academy graduates. Take right-winger Arribas as an example; as a product of the academy, his performance this season has been commendable, attracting the attention of several mid-tier La Liga clubs.
It is rumored that Arribas' potential transfer fee could reach 15 million euros, which might provide "ammunition" for future transfers. However, exchanging the hope of the academy's future for short-term financial returns inevitably evokes a sense of helplessness. Is this approach right or wrong? There is no definitive answer.
This operation by Real Madrid actually reflects their art of balancing competitiveness and finances. To cope with the pressure of transfer expenditures, they must be meticulous in their calculations while also considering core combat capabilities and long-term objectives. Without a stable defense, everything else is just talk.
When it comes to Real Madrid, one cannot overlook Ancelotti. Recently, in an attempt to address defensive vulnerabilities, he has tried implementing a three-center-back formation. While this attempt is not a complete failure, the results are not as good as everyone anticipated. Honestly, a three-center-back system requires overall stability and coordination, but Real Madrid's current defensive personnel are simply insufficient; how can they familiarize themselves with a new system? Ancelotti is essentially "going towards the mountain knowing there is a tiger," gambling on a "win-win" situation.
There is also no shortage of speculation about Ancelotti's future, especially the widespread rumors that Xabi Alonso might take over. If this former Real Madrid player were to become the head coach, without a doubt, he would bring a new school of thought and tactical system, which could infuse Real Madrid with fresh vitality. However, this also means that part of the current squad might become "casualties" of reform.
Mendy's situation this season has been truly awkward. Real Madrid had originally planned to renew his contract, but due to frequent injuries and poor form, the renewal negotiations have stalled. Looking ahead, is Mendy still the best answer at left-back? This is a "difficult choice" currently facing Real Madrid's management.
This indecisiveness reflects Real Madrid's decision-making style in recent years. They are willing to invest at critical points while adopting a wait-and-see or alternative approach to uncertain issues. Whether this cautious and subtle balance is reasonable can only be answered by time.
Objectively speaking, Real Madrid still has many "pending issues" to resolve. For instance, will they try to sign a new right-back? Is their frontline rotation deep enough? These questions need to be answered in the upcoming transfer window. At present, what Real Madrid is most clear about is that addressing defensive vulnerabilities is the top priority in all their decisions.
In summary, regardless of the path this team will take in the future, short-term challenges are evident. Fortunately, they are using decisive execution to earnestly repair past flaws. Real Madrid's current situation is like a marathon runner who mends his shoes while running—willing to give it their all, and having no other choice.
Born out of difficulty, strengthened by difficulty. Whether Real Madrid can achieve this will be witnessed by the remaining days of the season!