With El Clásico looming on Sunday, the only good news for Real Madrid at the present is the absence of Lionel Messi. Yes, Real climbed to the top of Champions League Group G on Tuesday after narrowly defeating Czech First League side Plzeň 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, but you could easily argue that Los Blancos looked better during last weekend’s shock 2-1 defeat to Levante.
According to SPORT, firing manager Julen Lopetegui after only 13 competitive matches would cost the club $20.7 million, but with the back-to-back-to-back European Champions truthfully looking like LaLiga’s seventh-best team, it’d be hard not to justify that princely outlay.
On Tuesday, Real took the lead in the 11th minute to ease the growing tension inside the stadium — Karim Benzema heading home after a beautiful assist from Lucas Vazquez.
A beautiful cross from Lucas Vazquez leads to an opening goal for Karim Benzema
— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) October 23, 2018
Just look at the requisite pace and trajectory on this ball from the winger.
What a beauty Another look at the ball from Lucas Vázquez to Karim Benzema that puts Real Madrid in front
— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) October 23, 2018
But worryingly for Real, Plzeň carved out three decent opportunities to equalize over the next 40 minutes.
43' ¡La que se perdió el @fcviktorkaplzen y el @realmadrid respira aliviado!
Caaaaaaasi les clavan el empateVa EN VIVO por #UDN y https://t.co/qiW0O3iQor #LaChampionsUD pic.twitter.com/EYnA2TOg94
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 23, 2018
However, Real’s individual quality again shone through in the 55th minute when Gareth Bale released Marcelo with a brilliant back heel. Marcelo’s finish wasn’t bad either.
Cheeky backheel from Gareth Bale gives Marcelo all the space he needs
— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) October 23, 2018
Plzeň was eventually rewarded for its bright play in the Spanish capital. In the 78th minute, Patrik Hrosovsky skinned Sergio Ramos and finished beyond Keylor Navas to send the whistles cascading down from the stands.
Viktoria Plzen gets one back
Can they complete an improbable comeback against Real Madrid?Watch NOW: https://t.co/gs4Nh0PVWJ pic.twitter.com/AaIzIw1rcs
— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) October 23, 2018
Real would see the match through (although Marcelo was forced off with an injury and is now a doubt for El Clásico), and thanks to Roma’s 3-0 victory over CSKA Moscow, Los Blancos now command the group — but once again, there was absolutely nothing commanding about this performance.
The18 Recommends For You
