Season starts today against Espanyol after Bernabéu positives | OneFootball

According to Diario Vasco, after two demanding away trips the view is that the campaign effectively starts today against Espanyol, and a win is needed to avoid early pressure. There were positives in Madrid, but the focus now is on getting things right.

The first half at the Bernabéu was the reverse of the Betis game. The side were well set, unsettled Madrid, but lacked bite, and Mbappé was lethal when offered space.

Espanyol visit and should not be underestimated. They went toe to toe with Real Madrid and created chances. They play 1-4-4-2, have players drilled to defend under a demanding coach, and look better each year.

There is belief in the squad, more so with Sarr already in and Fort apparently close. Defensive reinforcements were needed, and one quality option per position is not enough. Ideally the coach has two very good players for each role.

At the back, there must be no cheap giveaways when building from deep. Stay calm on the ball, and if there is danger, clear the lines. In attack, with two wingers, Barrenetxea, Kubo and Guedes need service, while Oyarzabal rarely falls short.

Remiro has been good in the first two matches, yet if the goalkeeper is the standout it is a bad sign, it should be the forwards catching the eye. Finally, Zubieta remains the compass. It helps that Beitia, Ochieng and Marchal get minutes on big stages, but they need continuity.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”