Two minutes. That needed the Real Madrid to turn the game around in Mestalla. Vinicius first and Benzema then they turned the score around between 85 'and 87'. Quality aside, the team pushed hard during the final stage to take the three points to the capital. “We have not won by quality: we have won by spirit, an indomitable spirit“, commented Ancelotti at a press conference. But to that quota of faith, we must add a remarkable physical superiority, which allowed the whites to lock up the locals in their area, play with almost the entire team close to it and not even suffer on defense.
Madrid is being able to overtake its rivals in the second halves, maintaining a very high pace of play, something that most teams in this league cannot do. 14 of the 16 goals the team has scored this season have come between the 45th and 90th minutes. That is when the Chamartín club is imposing itself, showing that physical preparation is working.
LaLiga Santander
* Data updated as of September 20, 2021
The Pintus method is effective
Antonio Pintus had the difficult task of recovering the best physical tone of a team that, in addition to being news for the number of injuries (more than 60 last year) ended last year at the limit, as demonstrated by the Chelsea on Champions passing over the whites running more and better. Their plan was clear from the start: tightening the nuts on the squad with demanding exercises and physical tests both in the gym and on the green throughout the preseason to bring them up to par with the teams of the Premier wave Bundesliga.
Already on the first day the difference began to be noticed: he overwhelmed the Alaves with four goals in the second half. Against him I raisedA week later, a valuable draw was achieved in the final stage. The following days, against Betis (0-1) and Celtic (5-2), the victory was also achieved in the second half: a goal at Villamarín and four at the Bernabéu.
This last week, in two very complicated fields and against two teams that bet on playing at high speed like Inter and Valencia in Giuseppe Meazza and Mestalla respectively, Madrid accepted the stake and ended up leaving both without bellows. Victory against the Italians with a goal of Rodrygo in 89 'and what was already told in Valencia.
The rotations begin
The physical level of the Madridistas is one of the keys for Madrid to end matchday five as solo leaders. But the coaching staff is aware that the wear is being noticeable and that the rotations must come to refresh the team and avoid injuries. Footballers like Casemiro, Modric, Valverde or Benzema They have played practically everything, including matches with their respective teams.
The whites will play again on Wednesday at 22:00 against the Majorca, and just three days later, on Saturday, you will receive Villarreal. Little rest time and two very demanding matches in which they play to remain undefeated in the League. It may be the ideal time for footballers like Rodrygo or Camavinga, regular substitutes, get your chance as starters. Also that others who have hardly had a presence like Asensio or Jovic have your chance to shine.
Ancelotti and Pintus seem to have hit the mark, always with the invaluable help of Llopis. The club was obsessed with the idea of improving sports planning and it is being achieved. For the coach, it is a key aspect in a football as demanding as the current one. Now, the goal is to keep him to fight for all the titles at the end of the season.