Real Madrid’s 3-1 win against Malaga last Saturday maintained the two point gap from leaders Barcelona, who restored it to five by beating Espanyol this week. Cristiano Ronaldo was breaking more records, as he became the first Madrid player to score 30 goals in three consecutive seasons.
However, victory came at a cost for Coach Carlo Ancelotti. Luka Modric succumbed to a knee ligament injury that keeps him out for six weeks. Gareth Bale suffered a twinge in his calf just minutes into the game and is out for three weeks. In addition, Karim Benzema missed Real Madrid’s narrow 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday, due to an a swollen knee suffered in training, side-lining the Frenchman for two weeks.
These injuries couldn't have come at a worse time for Ancelotti. With just six League games of the season remaining Los Merengues have a tricky fixture list. On Sunday they travel to Galicia to face Celta Vigo, who are undefeated in three League games. But it's their first two League fixtures in May that shall determine their season.
On Week 35 Ancelotti’s men travel to fifth-placed Sevilla, a tricky venture to a team chasing Champions League football, buoyed by their current run in the Europa League. Los Rojiblancos, under Coach Unai Emery, are undefeated at home this season with their last reverse coming against Real Betis in the Europa League, 13 months ago. Since then, teams such as Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Barcelona have tried and failed to register a win at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Los Blancos are at home for Week 36 but face a daunting prospect in the form of fourth-placed Valencia. There is no doubt Los Che have been the most improved team of the season so far. The arrival of Peter Lim has brought a renewed sense of hope among fans but importantly belief that has been lacking in recent seasons.
It shows on the table where Valencia are on the cusp of qualifying for the Champions League. Lim’s investment in the transfer market has allowed the club to make great strides and Madrid know how dangerous Los Che can be, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Estadio Mestalla back in January.
Moreover, between the fixtures against Sevilla and Valencia, Los Merengues face Juventus in the Champions League semi-finals. However, despite the blow of missing key players during their run in, it presents opportunities to others in the squad.
One player who could benefit is Isco. The midfielder actually showed his worth when Modric was injured for three months back in November. The 23-year-old took his chance and put in some stellar performances during the Croatian’s absence. If Ancelotti selects him then the ex-Malaga playmaker can be counted to repay the Coach’s faith.
One who has already repaid Ancelotti’s faith in him is Javier Hernandez, who scored the late winner to knock out Atletico in the Champions League. The Mexican’s winner on Wednesday will give him and the club confidence he can be amongst the goals while Benzema is injured.
But a team’s strength in depth will always be tested in their attempt to win trophies whether domestically or in Europe. We shall see if Real Madrid will stand firm when examined or wilt under the pressure without their key players.
What gives added importance is it’s likely Ancelotti’s future as Coach of Real Madrid depends on it. Missing out on defending their Champions League crown and failing to win the League won't be tolerated by club President Florentino Perez. Patience with Coaches when without trophies is not in his make-up.
