Real Madrid, the defending Champions League title holders, suffered a crushing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool on November 27. Despite their efforts to break the deadlock in the first half, they ultimately fell short, and it was Liverpool who dominated large spells of the game, according to Jude Bellingham, a midfielder for Real Madrid. Bellingham’s candid assessment of the game highlights his team’s inability to take advantage of their opportunities, as they failed to find the back of the net despite having eight goal attempts.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister scored the opening goal in the 52nd minute, and despite Kylian Mbappe’s crucial penalty miss in the 61st minute, which could have leveled the score, Mohamed Salah also missed a penalty at the other end, before Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo doubled his team’s lead in the 76th minute. Real Madrid’s inability to capitalize on their chances was a key factor in their loss, and it is clear that they need to work on their clinical finishing.
The defeat has left Real Madrid in a precarious position in the Champions League standings, with six points from five games, placing them 24th. This loss serves as a wake-up call for Real Madrid, who will need to regroup and re-strategize for their upcoming match against Atalanta on December 10. As rumors continue to circulate that Real Madrid are interested in signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, it remains to be seen whether this potential signing can strengthen their squad and help them mount a successful defense of their Champions League title.
Zubimendi’s presence could help alleviate the potential departure of Luka Modric, who is reportedly leaving the team next summer. The 25-year-old has been making a name for himself in LaLiga this season, registering 33 tackles and winning 70 ground duels. His ability to provide goal contributions has also caught the attention of several teams, including Manchester City and Liverpool, who are reportedly interested in signing him. However, Real Madrid will need to navigate a competitive market to secure his services.
Bellingham’s honest assessment of the game highlights the importance of clinical finishing in top-level competitions. Real Madrid’s loss serves as a reminder of the need for improvement, particularly in their midfield department. As the rumors surrounding Zubimendi’s potential signing continue to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid can strengthen their squad and mount a successful defense of their Champions League title.
