Real Madrid have seemingly let first place slip following a 2-2 draw with Valencia at the Santiago Bernebau overnight.
Los Galacticos are now four points behind league leaders Barcelona after a come from behind draw which saw many opportunities go begging.
Paco Alcacer gave the visitors the lead with a close range effort.
The pressure from Valencia was relentless and it soon found a second via a precise header from Javi Fuego.
It seemed Real’s Champions League form would carry over to La Liga with several shots hitting the woodwork as well as an uncharacteristic missed penalty from Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. However on the stroke of the 56th minute, defender Pepe headed home to give the hosts hope of a comeback.
Spanish rising star Isco levelled the scores with a curled shot from 20 yards outside of the box.
Substitute Alvaro Negredo had two opportunities to seal the victory for the visitors yet both attempts narrowly missed the goal. The stalemate still gives Los Che the chance to overtake third-placed Atletico Madrid but leaves Real with a lot of catching up to do.
Real Madrid 2 – 2 Valencia ( All Goals and… by footballdailytv
Bye Bye Kroos
Another game, another injury blow for the Madridistas. This time it was German midfielder Toni Kroos. The 25-year-old sustained a hamstring injury midway through the first half and was replaced by Asier Illaramendi.
It places more pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti given the growing list of players being sidelined due to injury and poor fitness. Kroos is unlikely to feature in Real’s upcoming second-leg clash with Italian champions Juventus.
What options does this really leave the Italian? Well, not many.
Ancelotti will be forced to either select a player whom has not had a significant amount of playing time, such as Illaramendi or Brazilian Lucas Silva.
However there is always the option of placing Sergio Ramos in the centre of the midfield, which would no doubt strengthen the midfield but weaken the defence given the central defender would be Pepe. Without strict guidance, Pepe is likely to drift from that role.
Choices, choices.
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How will Madrid finish the season?
As the end of the season looms, Madridistas and critics alike have begun to strongly question whether their team will finish on a high. Their performance against Valencia left much to be desired as a sense of fatigue and doubt appeared to be plaguing the side given its recent loss to the Bianconeri.
No doubt the injury list has had a terrible impact on Real’s situation. However, much has to be said about the tactics used by the coach as it has seen the side concede several goals on numerous occasions. In fact Los Galacticos have only won one out of a possible six domestic games this season against the current top four sides.
This round of matches is the last prior to a suspension of play in Spain following arguments over television rights. If a solution is found, then the season will continue. Hopefully for Real, the off time is spent to recover, recuperate and plan for the upcoming matches, which will be their toughest yet.
One thing is for sure, they will not give-up without a fight.
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