The attacking stat that should concern Real Madrid this season | OneFootball

After a disappointing defeat to Real Betis, Real Madrid returned to winning ways on Tuesday night, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan.

It was a tense game for Los Blancos, who had to hold on to their slender advantage in the last stretch of the game and were unable to score more goals after an early flurry that saw them gain a 2-0 advantage.

A worrying trend in front of goal

According to MARCA, Real Madrid lead all of Europe in big chances created with 27, but they also top a far less flattering chart, having squandered 19 of them.

Real Madrid must convert more chances. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

That means Real Madrid are missing seven out of every ten clear opportunities they generate, the worst conversion rate on the continent.

Barcelona follow closely with the same number of chances created but a superior return, having wasted 15.

The issue has become a recurring theme in recent matches. Against Betis, Real Madrid dominated and accumulated three expected goals, including a penalty missed by Kylian Mbappe, yet still contrived to lose.

Against Inter, they again peppered the goal without the necessary precision to kill the game off.

Courtois to the rescue

The victory over Inter owed much to a superb performance from Thibaut Courtois, who produced several crucial saves to preserve the three points.

Courtois had a solid night. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The two Real Madrid goals bore Mourinho’s trademark, both stemming from high pressing. Mbappe forced an error before finishing off Brahim Diaz’s assist, while Federico Valverde capitalised on hesitation from goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

However, having eased into a 2-0 lead, Real Madrid again passed up chance after chance, allowing Inter back into the contest through Lautaro Martinez’s late goal.

It must be noted Real Madrid had 35.6% possession against Inter ranking among the lowest recorded for the club in the Champions League.

For Mourinho, the ideal is clear: winning by finishing off the chances his side create. If Real Madrid can start converting at a rate befitting their creativity, they will become an even more fearsome proposition.