to market for 9
The season has begun for Real Madrid, and the ball has hardly touched Eden Hazard. With Benzema sidelined after earning a spot in the preseason squad, Carlo Ancelotti opted to deploy Hazard as a false nine, giving him the duty of starting the action in the clásico. The club and its media pushed a narrative of Hazard’s return, and once again the Belgian player seemed closer to reviving former glory than to reclaiming his past self. Real Madrid’s leadership signaled that Hazard’s comeback would be a defining storyline this campaign, while Ancelotti remained pragmatic, letting Hazard log minutes to reveal the truth about his current form.
Before that, Barcelona carried high morale and even requested a card for Christensen, yet he did not shoot on goal or become a decisive attacking option. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were more active on the field. Real Madrid, which began the 2022-23 season without scoring in the opening match, seemed to echo Ancelotti’s prior warning to Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez: the team needs a reliable target man to finish plays.
new ones
The new arrivals left mixed feelings in their wake. Aurélien Tchouaméni, the young French midfielder whom Madrid acquired for approximately $80 million, faced early pressure from Barça and endured a difficult spell, giving away possession three times and failing to help the defense regain control. The match exposed a lack of confidence and temperature in a game that demanded more personality from the French anchor in midfield.
Meanwhile, Rüdiger, nicknamed “Rambo” for his imposing presence, was deployed as a left-back and acted as a stabilizing force. He helped organize the defense and joined Raphinha in pressing the space. Beyond marking territory, he advanced up the flank and took shots, delivering a performance that suggested he could grow into the role Madrid envisioned for him this season.
In this context, the club faced a familiar challenge: balancing the line between rebuilding a potent attack and maintaining a solid defense. The decision to lean on Hazard, while weighing the contributions of new signings, underlined the necessity for a clear plan and the recognition that the squad would need more time to gel. The season’s early results underscored that Real Madrid would rely on a combination of seasoned leadership and fresh talent to reach the goals set by the coaching staff and the board, all while navigating the intense expectations of supporters.
The coach’s approach appeared deliberate, with plans to assess each option in pre-season friendlies and early league matches. They acknowledged the pressure from the market, where big-name forwards such as Mbappé have been the subject of intense speculation. The market chatter reflected Madrid’s clear intent to reinforce the attack, but it also highlighted the club’s restraint in pursuing a player who fits their specific system and wage structure. The overall message was consistent: the squad would be completed around Benzema if the right fit could be secured, and otherwise the team would rely on internal development and tactical adjustments.
In this setting, the return of several players from loan spells and the emergence of youngsters offered hope. The blend of experience and youth aimed to restore Madrid’s balance after a season of near misses and demanding expectations. The management’s patience with developing talent, combined with strategic short-term moves, suggested a careful, measured path toward title contention.
Reports of potential signings and the current state of contracts framed the transfer window as a critical period. While the club explored options to strengthen the forward line, it also emphasized the importance of long-term sustainability. The goal remained clear: to create a competitive attack that can contribute consistently, paired with a defense capable of withstanding the most relentless attacking threats in Europe.
In summary, Real Madrid faced a moment of evaluation and adaptation. Hazard’s role as a possible spark, the impact of the newcomers, and the ongoing market discussions formed a narrative of cautious optimism. The club’s leadership signaled readiness to act if the right opportunities emerged, but also a willingness to let the current squad prove itself on the field. The season was shaping up to be a test of identity for a team accustomed to competing at the highest level, with the next fixtures expected to reveal how well the pieces could fit together under Ancelotti’s guidance. [Source attribution: club communications and media coverage]