Marca analyzes Real Madrid s two defeats: the opponent s set kicks and crosses from the wing have become a nightmare for Real Madrid

Real Madrid lost 0-1 to Liverpool at Anfield. After the game, "Marca" compared this defeat with the previous game when Real Madrid was defeated 5-2 by Atletico Madrid.

At the post-match press conference, head coach Alonso strongly objected to this comparison and said that he did not see a similar situation to Atletico Madrid's game. "It's a close game and the difference is in the details," he explained.

However, it is generally believed inside and outside Real Madrid that if it were not for Courtois's outstanding performance, Los Blancos might leave Liverpool with a disastrous defeat. Data analysis shows the race was closer to that view than to the closeness Alonso suggested.

Liverpool created more shooting opportunities

Liverpool created more scoring opportunities for Real Madrid than Atletico Madrid. Simeone's team took a total of 13 shots, 7 of which were on target. Liverpool had 17 shot attempts, 9 of which required Courtois to react.

Courtois' gap: 8-2

In the match between the Metropolitan Stadium and Anfield Stadium, Courtois' role was clearly reflected. Slaughter's team had 9 shots on target, of which Courtois successfully saved 8 times. Only McAllister's header broke the Belgian's fingers. At the Metropolitan Stadium, Courtois made only 2 saves.

More threatening at the Metropolitan Stadium

In these two games, Real Madrid's offensive performance was far below expectations. Mamardashvili made only one crucial save - Bellingham's near-post shot in the first half. Another of his saves easily deflected Guler's shot from outside the penalty area. At Atletico Madrid's home court, Real Madrid's two shots were converted into goals.

There is greater pressure on the defensive end.

In Liverpool, Real Madrid's defensive system has been questioned. This is Huizen's worst performance since joining. Liverpool have touched the ball more times in Real Madrid's penalty area (29 times) than Atletico Madrid (21 times).

Higher possession at the Metropolitan Stadium

In the two games, Real Madrid never showed the ability to control the game - except for a brief period from 1-0 to 1-2 in the derby. Against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid's possession rate was 63% to 37%, while against Liverpool it was 59% to 41%. The problem is that in these two games, Real Madrid's possession always seemed to indicate that the opponent was about to attack Courtois. This sense of crisis is even more obvious in Liverpool.

The torture of aerial confrontation

The 5-2 in the Derby and the 1-0 at Anfield have one thing in common: set kicks and crosses from the wing have become a nightmare for Real Madrid. At the Metropolitan Stadium, Lenorment scored with a header from a teammate's cross, and Serlot also equalized in an aerial confrontation. Liverpool's goal was also a header, completed by a player 1.75 meters tall. But the thing is, Slaughter's players have the advantage almost every time the ball is set.