Real Madrid’s attacking firepower may light up Europe, but their defensive fragility is a growing concern as they prepare to face Arsenal in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are dazzling up front thanks to a star-studded quartet of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, but their vulnerability at the back was exposed again in a 2-1 loss to Valencia over the weekend – their 10th defeat of the season.
Madrid have already conceded 31 league goals this term, five more than in all of last season. Key injuries and the absence of experienced heads like retired Toni Kroos have contributed to a loss of defensive control.
Mbappe’s 33 goals have added edge up front, but Ancelotti admits the team has “suffered more at the back” as a result.
With holding midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni suspended and goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin racing to return from injuries, defensive gaps remain a major worry.
Madrid narrowly edged Manchester City in the play-off round and leaked four goals to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey, underlining their ongoing struggles to keep clean sheets.
Long-term injuries to defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, and an out-of-form David Alaba, have forced Ancelotti to rely on young Raul Asencio and the experienced Antonio Rudiger.
As they head into their toughest Champions League test yet, Madrid’s hopes rest on outscoring the opposition – a risky strategy Arsenal will be eager to punish.
