The ‘troika’ is not infallible

The Real Madrid lost in Getafe (1-0) his third game of the season, the second in the league. The team was well below the level shown in the first part of the season. This was noticeable on all lines, but it was much more palpable in midfield, where Ancelotti returned to the trident three games later. Casemiro, Kroos and Modric were not together in the eleven since the derby and their return could not be worse. They managed the team’s game, but at a hell of a speed and making too many mistakes. Only the Croatian maintained the level shown in 2021.

It is the first time that the white club has lost this season with all three in the starting eleven. In the League they have been in the game seven times and in the Champions League four. The balance was spotless: eleven wins. In the areas, in those meetings the team had conceded five goals and had scored 27. Victims of fatigue, holidays or the good work of Getafe among other things, they have left the first points of the course.

Casemiro has had a very irregular season. For the first time in his career, he is being overwhelmed by some rival attacks. In Getafe, although the local team was limited to playing against, it gave a feeling of overwhelm trying to cover gaps. Even tired when his physical stamina has been one of his strengths during his career. He missed a total of 21 passes and lost 24 balls. He was close to camouflaging his weak encounter with a good long shot that Soria covered.

Toni Kroos had his worst game of the season. Since he returned from pubalgia, he had been fundamental in the team’s game, for his game and for his success in the last meters (three goals and three assists this year). However, in Getafe he did not seem like him. Slow in both control and passing. He lost a total of 11 balls, an excessively high figure for a player who misses little. In addition, he could only recover one ball for Madrid. He ended up being substituted, something that had not happened since December 7 against Inter.

Modric was outstanding, but the 36-year-old Croatian can’t do it all. With the ball he was key, providing clarity or breaking lines. However, where he stood out most was without him: he made six recoveries. He caused two fouls and was the Madrid player who shot the most between the three sticks (two). This holiday break has served him well, but he played too much alone at the Coliseum. The best for him: he is winning the renovation based on good football.