With 29 wins out of 35 matches, one championship title, and a leadership position, Real Madrid’s direction remains strong, especially after their win in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Despite the ongoing discussion about surplus players, the team’s management and coaches focus on the benefits of Kylian Mbappe’s arrival and the value it will bring to the team and the club. This move is part of the club’s long-term strategy and will further solidify its position.While the future is being considered, the present is not being neglected. Real Madrid continues to thrive amidst adversity. Matches come and go, but with 29 victories in 35 official games and only two defeats so far this season, there’s much to be proud of. According to sources from Valdebebas, it’s the triumph of a model, a strategy put forth some time ago, which nothing and no one can alter. So far, they’ve won the Supercopa, lead La Liga, and won the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, but a significant part of the journey has already been completed. What’s happening this season is an exercise in survival but, above all, a belief in what’s being done, regardless of outside opinions, media narratives, or what fans believe the team needs.How Real Madrid could line up next season. pic.twitter.com/wtpIb7jw3W— Football Factly (@FootballFactly) February 18, 2024 The definitive judgement, as always in football, will come at the end of the season. But the apocalypse that seemed poised to dismantle the team has been thwarted from within, utilizing resources within a squad free from cumbersome companions who previously limited the team’s response. Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, and Mariano Diaz are now part of history. Without them, there are no unhappy players and no sour faces. Ancelotti fought to bring out the best in Isco, but it couldn’t be.What those in charge at Real Madrid are clear about is that this situation will not be repeated with decisions that, over time, end up hindering the group, the club’s finances, and its ability to confidently pursue the objectives set within the sports-economic strategy. Ancelotti shares this view and, therefore, maximizes the resources of his squad, trusting in it. Although the narrative dates back years, last July, two operations were deemed essential but not executed by the club. The first was to sign a top-quality or first-rate striker following Karim Benzema’s departure to Saudi Arabia. Joselu had arrived to fill the void left by Mariano, a player who, far from contributing, prevented others from taking the field.##NAJAVA_MECA_7881126##Despite Carlo Ancelotti’s desire to sign Harry Kane, the executives decided against it, fearing it would jeopardize the future and the possible arrival of one of the desired stars, namely, Mbappe or Erling Haaland. The solution was in the Valdebebas locker room. There was no other option. Based on past experiences, they knew that signings not part of the roadmap ultimately became uncomfortable and hindered the team’s progress.The second episode occurred in winter. It began with Eder Militao’s injury and, four months later, with David Alaba’s. The final 15 days of the long transfer window were complicated due to the multitude of offers. Even someone closely associated with Real Madrid was waiting for a call that never came. We’re talking about Sergio Ramos and many others. Criticism and fans expected something, but the message from Valdebebas was clear regarding signings and trust in the group.In January, everything repeated itself, but the club addressed it promptly. They didn’t entertain any debate: “there will be no signings in January,” proclaimed Valdebebas, a sentiment echoed by Ancelotti himself. Subsequently, more injuries, albeit less severe ones, occurred, and Real Madrid faced important matches with one or no available central defenders.Rayo Vallecano are the only team to get a clean sheet against Real Madrid in LALIGA.They drew 0-0 AT THE BERNABEU 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ra2rKa3Zv8— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 17, 2024 March is approaching, and it will be time to make future decisions, starting with the four pending renewals of Nacho, Lucas Vazquez, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric, plus Andriy Lunin’s contract ending in 2025, with the possible return of those who have excelled at other clubs, such as Fran Garcia or Brahim Diaz. And concerning signings, especially the one at the top, the star signing, but always with an eye on the future, on what’s to come, and the impact on the current group, namely, Kylian Mbappe.The strategy is working, with a foundation of young and versatile players (if Mbappe signs, when he’s 30, Endrick will also be 30), as evidenced by Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde… The numbers speak for themselves, with only two defeats so far this season.Their today’s opponents, Rayo Vallecano, sacked their manager Francisco after a six-match winless streak. Vallecano has fallen into the bottom half of the table, sitting just seven points above the relegation zone. Their newly appointed manager, Inigo Perez, must focus on better defence and improve home form. Vallecano faces league leaders who have scored two or more goals in a league’s best 16 La Liga games. Real Madrid is leading the table by five points and has an ongoing injury crisis. They can further improve their already-impressive record in the Madridian suburb.LA LIGAFridayVillarreal – Getafe 1-1 (0-1)/Moreno 56 – Maksimovic 24/SaturdayAtl.Madrid – Las Palmas 5-0 (2-0)/Llorente 15, 20, Correa 47, 62 pen, Depay 87/Osasuna – Cadiz 2-0 (0-0)/Budimir 63, 90+1/Celta – Barcelona 1-2 (0-1)/Aspas 47 – Lewandowski 45, 90+7 pen/Valencia – Sevilla 0-0Sunday16.00: (5.70) Rayo Vallecano (3.80) Real Madrid (1.63)18.15: (2.20) Granada (3.50) Almeria (3.50)20.30: (3.05) Mallorca (3.00) Sociedad (2.55)23.00: (2.10) Betis (3.30) Alaves (3.70)***odds are subject to change
