re: Match Day 3/10 UCL Round of 16 2nd legs

quote:

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Didn't notice Arbeloa as much, but I usually expect him to add some amount of leadership and composure, mostly by kicking people who need to be kicked

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I may be a bit unfair in picking him out but I was thinking of at least two instances where Real, mainly Bale, lost the ball and Arbeloa was jogging back while watching 2 Shalke players come from 20 meters behind, sprint right by him and overload the CBs.


The idea that the midfield's overworked seems on point. Playing without any defensive mid that effectively disrupts counters means a much higher work rate all around and that was multiplied by the numerous tailor-made give-aways just outside the area yesterday.

I would guess that Ancelotti gets it sorted out if given time but I would have thought having Khedira and Illaramendi while missing Modric would be sufficient (even if I've not seen enough of Illaramendi to decide whether he's top class or simply pretty good.)