Opinion: Real Madrid’s tactics were all wrong against Espanyol

Real Madrid edged Espanyol to leapfrog Barcelona to the summit of the LaLiga standings, if only temporarily.

However it was far from the grandiose performance the Los Blancos supporters expected at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Former Spain manager Julen Lopetegui has so far enjoyed a tranquil transition to club football, with his Real Madrid baptism having been showered with plaudits.

But the busiest period of the campaign has arrived, with European and domestic midweek fixtures on the horizon, and Lopetegui’s ability to rotate effectively will be scrutinised in the coming weeks.

Saturday night’s fixture against Catalan club Espanyol marked the first occasion the Spaniard had to shuffle his squad in order to accommodate for Real Madrid’s arduous upcoming challenges against Sevilla and rivals Atletico respectively. Also, victory over Roma on Wednesday would have sucked a significant portion of energy out of a side who have generally exhibited superb dynamism and vibrancy throughout the infant stages of the season.

It therefore came as no surprise when Lopetegui opted to rest the likes of Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Toni Kroos – all of whom are expected to start against Sevilla on Wednesday – and included Nacho Fernandez, Dani Ceballos and handed a league debut to summer signing Alvaro Odriozola.

Real Madrid deployed their typical 4-3-3 formation, although rather than the midfielders reinforcing the fearsome attacking trio of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio and Isco, they scarcely linked up and it made for a disjointed night for Los Blancos.

Indeed, it was a damning indictment of their display that Espanyol had a number of opportunities to snatch a point; not least Borja Iglesias’ adept lob that bounced off the crossbar.

Real Madrid lacked cohesion

Perhaps the makeshift look of Real Madrid’s starting eleven gives some indication as to why their clinical edge, defensive stability and smooth passing often went missing at the Bernabeu.

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This side hasn’t played together consistently, and it showed on too many occasions as players left their roles and left Real Madrid wanting in crucial areas.

Sergio Ramos was guilty of that twice, albeit the second time his thundering header almost added a second for Real Madrid. The first instance, though, led to Iglesias’ golden second half chance and nearly allowed Espanyol an unlikely route back into the game.

Ceballos was functional at best, Luka Modric never found his usual ravishing passing range and Casemiro focused solely on his defensive duties.

And despite Thibaut Courtois’ relatively serene evening between the sticks, there were moments where Real Madrid looked flustered even on their own soil. Fans that left the stadium early in confidence that their club had done enough for victory, could have easily been put in their place.

Too defensive for a home match

Such is the nature of Real Madrid’s fortress that their supporters don’t only expect three points, but a glistening performance to go with it.

Although the points were supplied on Saturday, the display was nowhere near the lofty standards Real Madrid have set themselves with their unwavering success and unfortunately the finger of blame can be pointed at Julen Lopetegui.

The 4-3-3 formation normally indicates attacking quality, forward thinking and an effervescence other strategies fail to provide.

But somehow Real Madrid exuded negativity, and carved out far fewer opportunities than they are used to. In fact, there was an aura of relief about Marco Asensio’s eventual opener, rather than the quintessential feeling that the goal had been coming for some time.

Perhaps the inclusion of both Casemiro and Dani Ceballos triggered this, or maybe Gareth Bale is more important to the side than Lopetegui is aware of.

Whatever the problem, Real Madrid were some way off their best and though credit should be given to Espanyol for a competent performance, Los Blancos will need improvements ahead of their trip to the Sanchez Pizjuan in midweek.

Can they get another victory in midweek?