Managing Madrid - Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid: All the updatesDominating European football since March 6th 1902https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50831/mm-fav.png2015-09-24T14:00:02+02:00http://www.managingmadrid.com/rss/stream/91453082015-09-24T14:00:02+02:002015-09-24T14:00:02+02:00Takeaways from Madrid’s crucial win against Bilbao
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<figcaption>Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Mateo Kovačić, Isco and Rafa Benítez</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid</a> secured a crucial three points against a formidable <a href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Athletic Bilbao</a> side. <span>Karim Benzema</span> struck twice for Los Blancos, continuing his prolific start as the</span> men in white climbed to the top of the table. Madrid coach Rafa Benítez will be glad that his team responded in excellent fashion after conceding for the first time this season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Mateo </span>Kovačić impressed in his first start for Real Madrid, proving to be a versatile player that may transform into a future star. Isco, on the other hand, seems to be struggling under a new coach, despite having had a very promising preseason. In the end, credit must be given to Rafa Benítez as he led his men to a win in what was Real Madrid’s first truly competitive match of the season.</p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li> <b><span><span>Mateo </span>Kovačić</span><span><span>.<br></span></span></b><span><b><br></b>The Croatian may further provide </span><span>Benítez with a selection headache, after having shown that he can slot in together with Kroos and Modrić in order to have a composed and balanced midfield in more competitive matches. Given the absences of Bale and James, Kovačić must make good use of any playing time he receives. With tonight’s showing, the 21-year-old will be further assured that he can contribute meaningfully to this team. Kovačić must continue in this fashion and grow even more confident – if not, he risks the potential future of Asier Illaramendi, a player with immense talent who did not have the poise to impact the mighty Madrid.<br></span><b style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span><br></span></b> </li>
<li> <span><span><b>Isco.</b><br></span></span><span><br>Those who have routinely watched the now 23-year-old in action for the past several years may get the feeling that the Spaniard simply has more to offer. Isolated on the right, Isco seems unable to influence the game in a manner which suits him most. While the Andalusian midfielder has had impressive moments for Los Blancos this season, he seems unable to provide his team with a constant guile style of play that characterizes him. Capable of contributing with several goals a season, the Spaniard should consider convincing </span><span>Rafa Benítez to allow him to play in a more central position, where he knows he can be the connection between defense and offense – at least until Bale recovers from injury.<br></span><b style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span><br></span></b> </li>
<li> <span><b><span>Rafa </span>Benítez</b></span><span><span><b>.</b><br></span></span><span><b><br></b>Nearly sure that FC <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> was headed for a loss against the impressive Celta de Vigo, Rafa </span><span>Benítez knew that anything short of a win would be unsatisfactory for the ever-demanding Madridistas. And a win he led his team to.<br></span><span><br>In what was their first real test of the season, Los Blancos excelled and provided some of their best football since Benítez’s arrival. Labelled as a coach who would destroy Madrid’s charisma and glamour, the pragmatic tactician has managed to add defensive grit to his side, while still allowing them to express their colossal talent in the opposition’s half. Benítez’s decision to essentially play a five-man midfield paid off, and allowed Real Madrid to return to the place where they belong on the table. The 55-year-old seems to be headed for glory should he continue leading his team in such manner.</span> </li>
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https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/9/24/9389553/athletic-bilbao-real-madrid-1-2-takeawaysAndrejs Klisans2015-09-24T09:03:28+02:002015-09-24T09:03:28+02:00Atheltic Bilbao - Real Madrid: Player Ratings!
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<figcaption>Clinical Karim Benzema | Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We turn our eye at the players performance away at San Mamés.</p> <p><span>Keylor Navas</span>: 8 - Navas made numerous quality saves to hold Madrid's advantage and when he was beaten it was through no fault of his own. Unfortunately for the Costa Rican he was only 5 minutes away from breaking Miguel Angel's La Liga record of starting a season without conceding a goal.</p>
<p><span>Dani Carvajal</span>: 7 - A good game by Carvajal. He was solid on defence as he has been since coming in to the side for the injured Danilo. He made more tackles than any other player and made the second most interceptions too. Solid.</p>
<p>Pepe: 7 - Another impressive display by the veteran Pepe. He is really ageing well as a player and continues to provide stiff competition for fellow centre-backs Ramos and Varane. He also made more interceptions than any other player which is telling of his ability to read the game.</p>
<p>Raphael Varane: 8 - Monstrous display by the Frenchman tonight. He made an incredible 12 clearances most of which were from crosses in the air against the formidable Aritz Aduriz so huge props go out to him. He's really returned back to the promising player we saw a couple of seasons ago. Showed excellent pace too.</p>
<p>Marcelo: 7 - A decent game by Marcelo too. Defensively he still continues to worry me and he made a couple of defensive errors but going forward he was back to usual flowing self. He completed 4 successful take-ons which was more than any other player.</p>
<p>Matteo Kovacic: 6 - Overall it was an impressive display by the young Croat. However, he failed to convert his chances when presented good opportunities in front of the opposition goal. Defensively his actions were sounds and he managed to distribute the ball confidently.</p>
<p>Luka Modric: 7 - Solid game from Luka. He controlled proceedings with his inimitable grace on the ball and was as defensively sound as ever working in tandem with Kroos. Benítez has really got him working well in the double pivot and it's something nice to see when faced with a tricky away opponent.</p>
<p><span>Toni Kroos</span>: 7 - He performance mirrored that of Modric. Good defensively, with a typically excellent distribution rate of 97% pass accuracy having completed more passes than any other player. Lets hope he continues his form late into the season. If he does, Madrid will be likely to win silverware.</p>
<p>Isco: 8 - I was very impressed with Isco's ability to adapt to his new position. Tonight was his best game in this role. His delivery was impeccable as he created more chances than any other player with 4 and also completed 5 out of 8 crosses, also more than any other player. Like Varane, the club need to make sure Isco gets enough minutes to keep him satisfied as he's such a talented individual with many years of class to provide.</p>
<p><span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span>: 5 - Not up to his usual excellent standards and was shut out for the fourth time this season but he still managed to pose some danger and grab the Bilbao defenders attention with 2 key passes and 3 successful take-ons. Just needed to be more clinical with his chances.</p>
<p><span>Karim Benzema</span>: 9 - Big Benz has begun the season is utterly devastating form. 6 goals in 5 games speaks volumes for a player some deem not to be good enough for the Madrid striker position and yet he is the player who has won Madrid more points than any other player through his important goals this season. I'm excited to see how the rest of his progresses.</p>
<p>Subs:</p>
<p>Jesé Rodríguez: 4 - The young Spaniard came on with nothing to lose but he failed to impress in the 20 minutes that he played. In fact, he sadly only made 5 touches and was largely anonymous. He showed good pre-season form but he needs to follow it up with telling contributions in competitive matches.</p>
<p>Casemiro & Lucas Vázquez were given insufficient minutes to rate fairly.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/9/24/9387731/athletic-bilbao-vs-real-madrid-player-ratingsMarc Craig2015-09-24T00:11:32+02:002015-09-24T00:11:32+02:00A Tale of Two Halves as Madrid Battle to the Top
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<figcaption>Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A half by half analysis of Madrid's crucial win over the Basques.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In what was a tale of two halves Madrid ran out as the deserved winners in an encapsulating and high-energy affair. So let’s investigate what happened in each half and what we learned from our crucial win.</p>
<h4>1<sup>st</sup><span> </span>Half</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first half was ours and we probably should have killed the game off in the first 45 minutes. I mentioned before that Kroos and Modric vs the flow of the game would be the most important battle of the match and so it proved. The two central midfield geniuses combined to effectively protect the back line and control the pace of the game (Madrid slowed down and sped up the tempo at will; with things being slowed down at corners and throw-ins and things being sped up when playing route one to Ronaldo). They enabled Madrid to play their way out of defense against Athletic’s relentless pressing and expose vast spaces in behind the Basque club’s defense.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is obvious that Madrid’s unfazed approach to Athletic’s intensity stunned the red and whites. Athletic's passes were nervous and they found few gaps behind a resilient Varane-led defensive line. In addition, there was no way for Athletic to relieve the pressure as both Madrid’s center backs shut out Athletic’s attacks. Both of the center backs alternated as the stopper for their team, as they looked to push high up the pitch to battle Raul Garcia and Aritz Aduriz (Varane did this more than Pepe however) from corner kicks. Not only was this highly successful but Pepe and Varane also combined to close down Aduriz when the Basque center forward looked to make his devastating runs in between the center backs.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All of this paid off as the Basque defense nervously made a poor back pass to Gorka Iraizoz and Benzema took advantage to make it 1-0.</p>
<h4>Summary of Team Shape</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">Los Blancos set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Kovacic as the CAM and Isco as the right-winger. However, in the first half an hour or so, our formation looked more like a warped 4-3-3 due to the fact that Kovacic was playing a bit withdrawn to help Madrid’s back-line absorb Athletic Bilbao’s pressure. Kovacic’s inclusion in the line-up may have been a surprise for some, but in retrospect it is obvious to understand Benitez’s thinking. Kovacic provided the perfect blend of dribbling ability and tenacity to match Athletic’s high-paced style. He really threw himself about in the first half and charged forward well.</p>
<h4>2<sup>nd</sup> Half</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">A repeat of the 1<sup>st</sup> half performance would’ve ensured a comfortable victory for Benitez’s men. However, Madrid looked to play negative and sit back. From the first whistle of the second half to the last whistle of the game, the Basques applied intense pressure. Navas was forced into some truly superb saves while his side struggled to stay in a robust and defensive shape. The negative approach eventually back-fired as Pepe gave the ball away and Athletic countered swiftly to allow Sabin Merino to brilliantly head home the ball.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But Madrid responded with the grit of potential champions. Only two minutes later, Madrid made their first significant attacking foray in the second half and scored. Isco was played into acres of space on the counter and he made no mistake in finding Karim Benzema with a pin-point cross.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The rest of the match involved Madrid sitting back once again, but this time successfully keeping Aduriz and co. at bay. Jese came on soon after the goal to continue to give Real Madrid a counterattacking edge and Casemiro came on for Benzema in the 80<sup>th</sup> to shut up shop for good. While Athletic were the better team in the second half, Madrid were lethal enough when it mattered to take home the 3 points and leapfrog Barcelona at the top of the table.</p>
<h4>Summary of Team Shape</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kovacic charged forward more and began orchestrating attacks as a CAM should do. This made our formation an obvious 4-2-3-1 until Casemiro came on in the 80<sup>th</sup> minute and switched us into a highly defensive looking 4-4-2. Vazquez’s introduction in the 89<sup>th</sup> minute for Kovacic gave us even more defensive structure.</p>
<h4>Best Player Performances</h4>
<h5>Karim Benzema<br>Grade: A-</h5>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Frenchman has been in absolutely superb goalscoring form, netting in every single game he has played. His two goals were unspectacular, but stank of lethal positioning and finishing (something Madrid fans beg Benzema to have). In addition his willingness to drop extremely deep to provide a possessional outlet in the first half was crucial to beating Athletic Bilbao’s press.</p>
<h5>Keylor Navas<br>Grade: A</h5>
<p class="MsoNormal">Without a doubt the man of the match was the Costa Rican that many wanted to sell for some chap named David De Gea. He made 4 key saves and was instrumental in keeping Madrid in the game near the end of the second half. Kiko Casilla must be looking forlornly at grass every time he sees it now.</p>
<h4>Bits and Pieces</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m still not convinced by Isco on the right. He played well, but I feel like so much potential is being wasted. He was his usual tricky self, but his threat on goal was seriously nullified. He showed a willingness to cut onto his left foot to shoot, but he got nowhere near the target. Something for Benitez to consider.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is by far Kovacic’s best performance for Madrid. He was great with the ball at his feet, and showed an incredible desire-not required of a CAM-to battle for 50-50’s. He was definitely key in matching Athletic’s intensity and giving Madrid an edge on the counter.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/9/24/9388265/real-madrid-vs-athletic-bilbao-match-reviewOm Arvind2015-09-23T23:08:30+02:002015-09-23T23:08:30+02:00Reaction: Bilbao 1 - 2 Real Madrid
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<figcaption>Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Real Madrid's defense remains compact en route to three crucial points</p> <p>These are the games that win Championships. Here are four things worth noting from this match..</p>
<ol> <br>
<li>Led by Varane, <b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid's</a> defense </b>looked formidable again. The defensive line remains an underrated trait of Real Madrid this season despite the common knowledge that Bilbao's lone goal was the only one Rafa's team has conceded. The shape that Benitez has Real in is quite beautiful, if we're being frank here. Real Madrid's attack is not one that leaves it's back-line exposed this season - instead it's pragmatic in its approach. It's a scheme that gives one confidence when leading the match as it provides the stability necessary to defend a lead.</li>
<li>The <b>Modric - Kovacic</b> combo was dominant. De facto, Kovacic's performance tonight makes the team selection that much more difficult for Rafa, and Luka Modric was the best player on the pitch which complemented Mateo admirably. Modric stands at just under six feet - but plays like he's 10. He was everywhere tonight - winning headers, tackling balls he had no business reaching, and bossing the midfield.<br><br> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Luka Modric tonight: 63 / 67 completed passes" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i7y2igu8HOsldOyRlciG5K1fO9I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4091180/Capture.0.JPG">
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<p class="caption">Luka Modric tonight: 63 / 67 completed passes</p>
</li>
<li> <b>Marcelo</b> remains an enigma. There isn't a left back in the World that can intricately get out of tight spaces the way the Brazilian can; but you'd be hard-pressed to find a left back who absolutely destroys defensive schemes the way Marcelo does. Tonight, he acted like a black hole at times - over-committing on challenges or getting beaten on the flank. Real Madrid won't concede an influx of chances this season, but when they do, it will be from Marcelo's side.</li>
<li> <b>Benzema</b> was no 'cat' tonight. So clinical. Great awareness on both goals. </li>
</ol>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/9/23/9387733/bilbao-1-2-real-madrid-reactionsKiyan Sobhani2015-09-23T20:21:03+02:002015-09-23T20:21:03+02:00Lineups and live thread
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<figcaption>Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Kovacic starts his first game for Real Madrid</p> <p>Rafa Benítez has decided to improve his midfield by starting Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid's</a> passing and attacking system should benefit from this and other players like Casemiro, Cheryshev, Vázquez and Jesé stay on the bench as potential game changers.</p>
<p>Real Madrid Starting XI: <span>Keylor Navas</span>, Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Kovacic, Benzema and <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span>.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a> Starting XI: Iraizoz, De Marcos, Balenziaga, Etxeita, Laporte, San José, Beñat, Raúl García, Susaeta, Aduriz and S. Merino.</p>
<p>This will be a tough game for Real Madrid. Athletic Bilbao will play with intensity and Real's midfielder must keep their composure to keep the possession and create good scoring chances. Furthermore, Los Blancos will lack the size needed to stop Athletic's aerial play, so it will be very important to defend the set pieces properly.</p>
<p>Real Madrid must earn the three points tonight against a difficult Athletic Bilbao side.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/9/23/9384997/athletic-bilbao-vs-real-madrid-la-liga-2015-16-live-online-streamingLucas Navarrete2015-09-23T17:00:03+02:002015-09-23T17:00:03+02:00Bilbao vs Real Madrid: How to watch
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<figcaption>Denis Doyle/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Los Blancos visit San Mamés.</p> <p>Very important match for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>. Los Blancos bounced back from their 0-0 draw against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/sporting-gijon">Sporting Gijón</a> in the Liga BBVA opener but it's true that they have not faced elite opposition. Having beat <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> to win the Spanish Supercup in August, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a> are a very strong team playing in San Mamés and this match will be a quality test for Los Blancos to prove whether they are ready to fight for the title or not.</p>
<p>Danilo, James, Bale and Ramos will all miss the match. Those four players would have definitely started this game and Benítez will miss them, but Real Madrid have improved their bench this summer and the available players should have enough to beat Athletic if they play with the intensity needed. Pepe and Varane must be careful with Aduriz's aerial game as the striker is Bilbao's main threat. Expect a very intense game between these two teams.</p>
<h3>Match Information</h3>
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<p><b>Date & Time</b>: Wednesday, September 23 (21:00 local time, 15:00 EST).</p>
<p><b>Venue</b>: San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain.</p>
<p><b>Projected Real Madrid XI</b>: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema.</p>
<p><b>Players to watch</b>: Isco, Ronaldo, Casemiro.</p>
<p><b>TV Information</b>: BeIN Sports (United States), Sky Sports 4 (United Kingdom), SuperSport 7 Africa (Kenya), Canal+ Partidazo (Spain), <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1634937/athletic-club-vs-real-madrid/" target="_blank">Others</a>.</p>
<p><b>Stream information</b>: BeIN Sports Connect (United States), Sky Go (United Kingdom), <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1634937/athletic-club-vs-real-madrid/" target="_blank">Others</a>.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/9/23/9381281/athletic-bilbao-real-madrid-2015-la-liga-tv-schedule-live-online-streamingLucas Navarrete2015-09-23T10:52:47+02:002015-09-23T10:52:47+02:00Projected lineups
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Casemiro ready to start?</p> <p>This should not be an easy match for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>. Athletic are always very tough to beat at San Mamés -- Los Blancos lost 1-0 last season and drew 1-1 two years ago -- and Madrid's performance against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/granada">Granada</a> was very disappointing. Benítez might have some changes ready to fight against Bilbao's physical presence.</p>
<p>Real Madrid Projected XI: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a> Projected XI: Iraizoz, De Marcos, Etxeita, Laporte, Lekue, José, Beñat, Susaeta, García, Gómez, Aduriz.</p>
<p>This seems like the perfect match for Benítez to test a 4-3-3 formation with Casemiro, Modric and Kroos playing in the midfield. <span>Gareth Bale</span> and James Rodríguez are not available but it would be surprising to see Vázquez, Cheryshev or Jesé starting this match, so unless Benítez decides to give Kovacic the chance to play behind the striker, Casemiro's size and strength would be very useful in San Mamés.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/9/23/9381271/athletic-bilbao-vs-real-madrid-la-liga-projected-lineupsLucas Navarrete2015-09-23T10:39:26+02:002015-09-23T10:39:26+02:00Real vs Bilbao: Squad list
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<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Ramos is not available.</p> <p>Real Madrid released the squad list to face Athletic Bilbao (tonight 21:00 CET) and it's the same one Benítez used last Saturday.</p>
<p>Goalkeepers: <span>Keylor Navas</span>, Kiko Casilla and Rubén Yáñez.<br>Defenders: Varane, Pepe, Arbeloa, Nacho, Marcelo and Carvajal.<br>Midfielders: Kroos, Lucas Vázquez, Casemiro, Kovacic, Modric and Isco.<br>Attackers: <span>Cristiano Ronaldo</span>, Benzema, Jesé and Cheryshev.</p>
<p>Considering that this match will probably be tougher than the one against Granada, expect Benítez to make no rotations against Athletic. Unless the Spanish manager decides to start Casemiro and keep either Vázquez or Isco on the bench to have a stronger midfield, the Starting XI should be similar to the one Benítez placed on the field last Saturday.</p>
<p>Ramos is finally not available with a shoulder injury. The defender tried to recover in time but decided to be patient instead and play it safe. That way, he will surely be available against Atlético de Madrid in the upcoming Derby that will be played a week and a half from now.</p>
https://www.managingmadrid.com/2015/9/23/9370075/athletic-bilbao-real-madrid-2015-squad-listLucas Navarrete