Real Madrid bounced back with a vital 2-0 victory over Getafe in the Madrid derby on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Santiago Bernabeu, a win that saw them keep pace with the league leaders in the Spanish La Liga. Jude Bellingham, the England international, opened the scoring for Los Blancos with a confident penalty before new signing Kylian Mbappe doubled the lead, sealing all three points for the defending champions.
The result was important for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, as it brought them within a point of Barcelona, who lead the league, with a game in hand. With the win, Real Madrid continues to be in the title race, but despite the three points, their performance in attack remains under scrutiny.
Although the scoreline suggests a solid win, the team’s offensive play has been a significant concern throughout the season, and the latest victory has done little to quell criticism of Ancelotti’s management of the attacking unit. While Bellingham and Mbappe contributed with goals, Real Madrid’s overall attacking play continues to appear disjointed at times. The team’s inability to create consistent chances and their struggle to break down defensive opposition has been a recurring theme this season.
Football analysts have pointed out that while Real Madrid’s squad is filled with attacking talent, including the likes of Mbappe, Bellingham, and veteran forward Karim Benzema, Ancelotti has yet to find the right formula to unlock their full potential. The lack of fluidity in their attacking setup, combined with an overreliance on individual brilliance, has raised questions about the Italian coach’s tactics in that area.
Despite securing the three points against Getafe, the win was not a convincing display of attacking dominance. While the penalty and Mbappe’s goal were well-executed, there was a sense that the team lacked cohesion in their build-up play. Ancelotti’s failure to integrate the attacking talents at his disposal effectively has left many wondering if Real Madrid can sustain a title challenge, especially if their offensive play does not improve.
As Real Madrid looks to close the gap on Barcelona, the team’s ability to create and finish opportunities will be crucial in the coming weeks. While they remain within striking distance of the league leaders, Ancelotti’s ability to improve their attacking play will be key to their success in the second half of the season.
