Real Madrid find an unlikely source of goals in time of need this season | OneFootball

In football, the adage “defence is the best offence” holds significant weight, particularly this season for Real Madrid.

With the absence of Toni Kroos, a key creative player, manager Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching team have had to rethink their approach to scoring goals. Surprisingly, they have discovered a fruitful source of goals from their defenders.

To illustrate this point, six of Real Madrid’s goals this season have originated from players whose primary role is to defend.

This statistic is noteworthy, as it means that nearly one in five of the team’s total goals, specifically 19.4%, have come from an unexpected source: the defenders.

Rudiger leading the charge

Antonio Rudiger has emerged as a pivotal figure in this new strategy. His goal against Borussia Dortmund signalled the start of an impressive comeback, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively.

Lucas Vazquez has scored two goals this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The German international continued to show his prowess by scoring again against Stuttgart, netting the crucial second goal in the 83rd minute and securing another comeback victory for the team with a well-placed header.

Other defenders have also stepped up, further showcasing this trend. Lucas Vazquez, who also found the back of the net against Borussia Dortmund, scored in the match against Alaves.

Eder Militao made his mark in the recent derby against Atletico Madrid, contributing to the scoreline with a crucial goal that put Real Madrid ahead.

Additionally, Dani Carvajal played an essential role in the comeback against Espanyol, scoring the equalising goal that sparked a 4-1 victory.

This unexpected emphasis on goals from defenders reinforces the idea that a strong defensive unit can be instrumental in securing victories.

By embracing this strategy, Real Madrid have not only improved their overall goal-scoring capabilities but have also created a more dynamic and unpredictable approach to their play.