At present, the presence of Valverde and Pitarch appears indispensable for the squad, arguably more so than other more renowned players.
Despite Arbeloa opting once again for a formation with five midfielders, allowing Real Madrid to command possession comfortably throughout the majority of the first half, the absence of Pitarch and Valverde in the starting lineup diminished the team’s vigor. The side failed to apply the pressing intensity seen in previous matches and struggled to regain possession with the usual ease. The void left by a young talent like Thiago is striking; his spirited physical exertion across the pitch not only contributes individually but also galvanizes his teammates. His presence seems to spur others into action, as if they reason: if he is running so relentlessly, they cannot afford to lag behind without drawing attention.
Team Dynamics and Individual Impact
Although the overall tempo was somewhat subdued, Madrid remained solid defensively, avoiding significant threats from the opposition. The team generated scoring opportunities; however, Mbappé lacked the incisiveness needed to overcome the resilience exhibited by Leo Román, who proved a formidable obstacle.