Real Madrid made one more visit in Orlando before returning for Spain, capping up an eventful preseason. The game against Juventus…
Carlo Ancelotti elected to start with the diamond once more, although the starting XI had some noticeable adjustments. Modric and Kroos began, Joselu was utilized as Vini Jr.’s attacking partner, while Tchouameni was rested owing to the high temperatures in Orlando. Moes Kean scored the game’s first goal against Real Madrid, then Timothy Weah scored twice before the first water break by capitalizing on Madrid’s defensive lapse in transition.
Real Madrid awoke after the water break and proceeded to develop a flurry of ideas. Vinicius Jr. scored with ease to cap off a fantastic counterattack and put Madrid back in the game. Real Madrid simply chose to up the tempo and overwhelm Juventus with a number of powerful plays and strikes. As Madrid began to bomb crosses into the box, Jude Bellingham and Joselu were deployed as target men. Wojciech Szczsny’s superb saves throughout this time allowed Juventus to lead 2-1 at the break.Madrid applied more pressure in the second half, while Juventus attempted to become more physically dominant. Madrid substituted Militao, Alaba, Tchouameni, Rodrygo, Valverde, and Carvajal at the hour mark.
Valverde made a brave effort after entering the game that immediately hit the bar. Jude, Vinicius, Kroos, and Fran Garcia all played important roles in Real Madrid’s different threatening sequences on the left wing. However, Los Blancos lacked the decisive advantage needed to tie the game. Brahim came on in place of Vinicius Jr. in the 77th minute. Ancelotti also decided to give Odriozola some playing time in the last preseason game. Dusan Vlahovic scored in the final minute of extra time to give Juve a 3-1 victory.
Conclusions from the preseasons: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelian Tchouameni have not only impressed but also proved why they are qualified to be unquestionable starters. Vinicius Jr. will have to learn a new position, but if anyone on this team can do it, it’s him. Throughout the preseason, he led Madrid in scoring. Joselu scored a wonderful goal against Manchester United, but he has since played quite poorly. Brahim’s absence from the last two games may be a portent of his likely role this season. Fran Garcia’s greater involvement in the attack as a left-back has been positive, but the performance of the right-backs continues to cause concerns.