I’ve been following Real Madrid’s matches closely lately. As a fan who has lived in Madrid for many years, Mbappé’s arrival this summer truly electrified the entire city. Although the season started with some hiccups, the Galácticos’ squad configuration is genuinely enviable in its luxury.
The Dawn of the Mbappé Era
The French forward has finally donned the white jersey he’s dreamed of, and this zero-transfer-fee deal is arguably the biggest move of the summer. However, to be honest, his coordination with Vinícius on the left flank in the first few matches still needs refinement. Both are accustomed to cutting inside to shoot, sometimes causing positional overlap. Ancelotti has recently been experimenting with positioning Mbappé more centrally, and the results seem promising.
Midfield Transition Between Generations
Modrić is still playing as a starter at 38—that’s absolutely insane. After Kroos’ retirement, the midfield indeed lost its metronome. Fortunately, Camavinga and Tchouaméni are gradually maturing, and Bellingham has also dropped back from the number 10 position to midfield, filling some organizational gaps. Personally, I think Bellingham might set a career-high in assists this season.
| Player | Position | Age | Appearances This Season |
|---|
| Modrić | Midfielder | 38 | 12 matches |
| Camavinga | Midfielder | 21 | 15 matches |
| Bellingham | Midfielder | 21 | 14 matches |
| Tchouaméni | Defensive Midfielder | 24 | 13 matches |
Defensive Concerns
This is what worries me most. After Militão’s injury, the backline only has Rüdiger and Alaba holding the fort. Although Carvajal is experienced, he’s not getting any younger either. In last week’s match against Atlético, their counterattacks were quite threatening several times. Will Florentino bring in a center-back during the winter transfer window? This question has sparked heated debates in Madrid’s bars.
Champions League Outlook
After the draw results came out, the group stage opponents are moderately challenging, so advancing should be manageable. The real test comes in the knockout rounds. If Real Madrid faces Manchester City or Bayern Munich, it’s uncertain whether the current defensive strength can withstand the pressure. However, everyone knows about the magic of the Bernabéu—that kind of comeback script has been performed too many times.
Ancelotti’s experience and the team’s heritage are the greatest assets. As long as Mbappé and Vinícius can find their chemistry, combined with Bellingham’s midfield orchestration, this Real Madrid side still has a chance to replicate last season’s miracle. How far do you think the Galácticos can go this season?
