La Liga icon tears into Real Madrid forwards after Rayo Vallecano win: ‘This isn’t competitive’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano may have delivered another three points, but Santiago Canizares believes the result is hiding a problem that could eventually cost Jose Mourinho’s side against stronger opposition.

The former Spain and Valencia goalkeeper was particularly critical of Real Madrid’s work without the ball, arguing that their attacking players are not doing enough defensively. 

His comments came after a match that produced two very different versions of Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Canizares questions Real Madrid’s defensive effort

Mourinho? No—the issue is not the manager. Madrid produced a brilliant first half, scoring three times and earning an enthusiastic standing ovation. 

Yet the mood changed dramatically after the interval, when Rayo caused problems, and the home crowd eventually responded with boos.

The La Liga icon believes that contrast exposes a tactical weakness rather than being simply an off-day.

Real Madrid played two contrasting halves vs Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Madrid have one thing – the best quality a team can have – and that is effectiveness; there’s no doubt about that,” he said, before adding that “if a team wants to be the best in Europe, it has to be able to play in different styles.”

For Canizares, the biggest concern starts with Real Madrid’s forwards.

“When they don’t have the ball, what the strikers do is appalling. It’s contagious.

“One looks at the other, the other looks at the other, and thinks, ‘Ah, well, if he’s not moving, neither am I’,” he argued.

A warning beyond the Rayo result

Notably, that lack of pressure can leave the rest of the team exposed. The midfield is forced deeper, the defence becomes easier to reach, and opponents are given opportunities that should not exist in the first place.

“The team falls apart; the midfielders have to drop back, link up with the defence, and any team can create chances against Real Madrid.

Arda Guler changed the complexion for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“This isn’t competitive, and it needs to be sorted out. If you don’t do this all year round, then on the day you actually have to do it, you might not do it quite right.”

That assessment is difficult to dismiss after what happened in the second half. 

Rayo may have ultimately lost comfortably on the scoreboard, but Madrid surrendered the control they had established before the break.

Arda Guler provides a timely reminder

Arda Guler’s introduction was the biggest talking point in the game. 

The Turkish midfielder helped restore some of Madrid’s attacking rhythm after Rayo had begun to gain confidence.

The 4-1 scoreline therefore gives Madrid the points Mourinho wanted, but not necessarily the complete performance he would have demanded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo