28.07.2017 » A pre-season analysis and El Clasico preview

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It's now been more than a week since Real Madrid have landed in the United States to go through a few training sessions and preparation games. The first two clashes against the Manchester sides may have not gone very well, but with the Clasico right around the corner, a win will quickly change everything...

What exactly should we make of Real Madrid's preseason form? Admittedly, the signs have been nothing short of worrying and it has little to do with the results. Real Madrid have looked hapless and unimaginative so far in the two games played against Manchester United and Manchester City and frankly, completely toothless in attack and defense without Cristiano Ronaldo, who is still on vacation until the team flies back to Spain and Sergio Ramos, who has already joined the team but wasn't given any playing minutes yet. This Saturday, Barcelona awaits the Merengues for the first El Clasico in history to be played in the United States.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona - Miami El Clasico preview:

Against both Manchester teams, Real Madrid struggled to create clear chances and it was even more evident in the second game, as Pep Guardiola's Manchester City retooled side looked like they could have scored 8 on the night if it wasn't for Navas and some misfortune from the Citizens in front of goal.

Dani Carvajal has been nothing short of atrocious, which is surprising considering his usual consistency.

On his day, he's the best right-back in the world and even though these performances shouldn't create too much doubt ahead of next season, he's been a disaster thus far. The Spaniard has been giving away the ball at every turn and looking entirely beatable to opposing wingers and fullbacks...

Up top however, is likely the most concerning part of Real Madrid's preseason. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema have showed a somewhat alarming lack of chemistry in attacking areas. Individually, both have been timid. Bale seems to be, understandably, concerned about his fitness. Benzema on the other hand, usually stays in this current phase all season long, so he's not too surprising. However, without Alvaro Morata to push him, one wonders if the Frenchman will be able to stay sharp all season long.

Again, it's early... But with the El Clasico scheduled for tonight in Miami, it's clear Madrid will not want to be embrassed. Based on current form, it will take some effort to beat Barcelona tomorrow. But the under-21 contingent is back and they've now been able to go through some more sessions with the team, so we should expect an improvement going ahead...

It's preseason, so it technically doesn't matter. Nevertheless, let's hope for at least a better performance regardless of result this Saturday night against Barça.

Author: Terrance Ross

Cristiano Ronaldo next game is a pre-season fixture on July 29 of 2017 against Barcelona. You can watch Juventus live stream, Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Hertha vs Liverpool, Manchester City vs Tottenham, Arsenal vs Benfica, and Chelsea vs Inter Milan, all matches provided from our live soccer game pages.

Real Madrid next game:
Real Madrid vs Barcelona kick-off time (29-07-2017):

Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 08:00
Jakarta (Indonesia) | UTC/GMT+7: 07:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 05:30
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 02:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 01:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 21:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 20:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 17:00

Sources: ronaldo7.net / espnfc.com / marca.com / internationalchampionscup.com

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