Real Madrid’s winning momentum continued on Sunday as they secured a 5-1 win over Real Betis, extending their current run to four matches in all competitions.Gonzalo Garcia was the big talking point...
Real Madrid’s winning momentum continued on Sunday as they secured a 5-1 win over Real Betis, extending their current run to four matches in all competitions.
Gonzalo Garcia was the big talking point for Los Blancos, in a game that saw star player Kylian Mbappe miss out due to injury. Filling in for the Frenchman, the youngster scored a sensational hat-trick.
What was particularly impressive about Real Madrid’s performance was the team’s effectiveness from set-pieces, with two of their goals coming from corners or free-kicks.
Real Madrid coaching staff impressed by set-piece efficiency
According to The Athletic, Xabi Alonso and his technical team are particularly pleased with the squad’s significant improvement from attacking set-pieces.
In a season where margins have been tight, the dead-ball situation has suddenly become a reliable weapon for Los Blancos.
The numbers back up the staff’s satisfaction. Real Madrid have now scored three goals from set-pieces in their last two matches.
Gonzalo Garcia was the star of the match for Real Madrid vs Betis. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
This uptick in efficiency is seen as a crucial development for a team that has at times struggled to break down low blocks in open play during the first half of the campaign.
This proficiency was evident against Betis, with both Raul Asencio and Gonzalo Garcia capitalising from brilliant crosses from Rodrygo from set-pieces.
For the coaching staff, this is not a coincidence but merely a result of targeted work on the training ground to maximise the team’s effectiveness from set-pieces.
With the Spanish Super Cup just around the corner, Real Madrid’s renewed effectiveness from set-pieces could be a solid weapon for the team as it takes on the rigid defence of Atletico Madrid in the semifinal.
Speaking of which, Los Blancos could be boosted by the return of Dean Huijsen, ahead of the semifinal against Diego Simeone’s men this weekend, though Mbappe remains a doubt.
Category: General Sports
