Real Madrid's tactical woes
Real Madrid slumped to a second consecutive defeat, this time in the Champions League against Tottenham. Zidane's sides have serious problems.
Clear problems for Real Madrid
Real Madrid's LaLiga woes appeared in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with an appalling display against Tottenham Hotspur. Zidane's side has been seriously malfunctioning this season, which tonight translated into disastrous defeat at the hands of Spurs. Defence, midfield and attack - none of the three are working right now for Real Madrid.
History repeats itself
Zidane went with the same team, formation and even alternative tactics that he tried so unsuccessfully against Girona. Marcelo and Achraf limited their movement up the pitch, but the constant mistakes from the Brazilian drew simply gave Tottenham hope and opportunities. Ramos, a sombre figure, was also often nowhere to be found.
A mess in the middle
Eqaually worrying for Real Madrid is the lamentable state of the midfield, utterly anonymous in the last few games. Modric and Kroos aren't connecting (28 balls lost between them) and Casemiro is uncoupled from the side. Zidane moved the Brazilian back into defence after the break, which is an interesting option, but just as in Montilivi, it looks like the player hasn't practiced the plan much.
The Kroos case
The German looked lost when Zidane changed the team's tactics, and was all over the place when Spurs made it both 2-0 and 3-0. Kroos' difficulties are the personification of the problems Real Madrid are going through.
Throw-ins
Tottenham's first goal came once again from poor positioning from Real Madrid at an opponent's throw-in. Eriksen had nobody watching him, with Isco failing to keep tabs.
Lack of ruthlessness
The anemic performance and lack of attitude from Real Madrid were highlighted by Ramos' failure to stop Alli as he started the move that led to 3-0. A tactical foul, while cynical, would be expected from the Real Madrid player there, but he let Alli get away.
