La Liga (Spanish League) Prediction Thread 2023/24

[giammangiato]

Barcelona played attacking in this match. Usually, Barcelona does not play an attacking strategy. Although Barcelona have possession of the ball, they do not play attacking tactics. While Barcelona attacked a lot, they also missed a lot. The main problem with Raphinha and Fati is that they can't finish well. And that's why we don't see many goals from Raphinha and Fati despite their excellent performances. If Raphinha and Fati can develop themselves well, if they don't make too many misses, it will be difficult for any strong defense to stop the Barcelona attack next season.

well, being an unimportant game I dont feel like judging too well who won or too badly who lost, let is remember that these games are used to develop strategies or experiment
what is worth in terms of bet or strategy is really negligible

[rendravolt]

Playing without benzema gave very big impact on the club. That proves that if benzema has the biggest contribution to the real madrid last season. Joselu's level is far below benzema at this moment.

Madrid shall have added new striker on its line up. The club can't only have joselu as pure centre forward. Joselu's performance in pre season was so bad.

Madrid's current advantage is in their strong midfield. but as you said their weakness is on the right wing of defence. maybe Ancelotti will make some rotations in defense to find some balance in the Madrid team.
Meanwhile, on the front lines, the loss of Benzema in the team was felt. even that was seen last season when Benzema was unable to play. Rodrygo, Vicius, and Joselu seem to have not satisfied Ancelotti. Madrid will have to find the right formation to push Joselu or Rodrygo further forward if they don't find cutting-edge attacking options this summer.
but I'd rather see the combination of Rodrygo and Vinicius upfront than Joselu there.

It looks like Lucas Vazquez is not that convincing to replace Dani Carvajal and it is very visible that Lucas Vazquez has minimal contribution opportunities when helping to carry out attacks or even for defensive matters he is always easy for opposing players to pass. Without Benzema, Real Madrid really struggled to score goals and it must be admitted that the decision to release Benzema when a replacement was not yet available was too detrimental for the team.

But Real Madrid are a big team and I'm pretty sure they will still be able to be consistent in the La Liga competition later even though the reality will be a little difficult. Vini and Rodrygo can be said to be the best at the moment for Real Madrid, but sometimes these two players feel uncomfortable because they are used to being wingers.

[Distraction]

Losing Benzema wasn't part of their plan this summer. Therefore they haven't made up their mind about any other solid striker yet. But the longer they wait the worse for them. Because potential good youngsters are mostly close to signing for other teams. Vlahovic can join Chelsea soon and PSG are close to seal the deal for Goncalo Ramos.

Manchester United have reached an agreement for Hojlund also. Other than these players I don't know who they would be after now. For example Lautaro Martinez was a rumour in the past but he also stated clearly that he wanted to stay at Inter.

There is a short time period left for the season to start so they had better be faster than this.

[sana54210]

I could not accept such a loss at all because although Real Madrid is a very strong team. But in the current situation many teams have become normal with the change of players but meanwhile Juventus has been quite strong so far. Because the three attacks that Juventus succeeded in were the three that were too deadly for Real Madrid. With Real Madrid failing to score goals due to a lack of strikers, the Karim Benzema vacancy needs an experienced player. So without striker Real Madrid seems empty and with all teams Real Madrid face loss.

They do not feel like they need one for the season. I know that's going to be a hard one to swallow because not playing with any strikers will end up causing them to not be able to score all that much, but looks like they just won't. They are trying a few players, it may end up working out in the end and I would be glad to see that, but the reality is that we are not going to really end up with anything that great, we are going to end up with a bit of a problem on the long run.

Let's see if they can get a striker out of Vini, he is a left wing normally, but for one season long he might be asked to carry the scoring load and he has the ability to score as well we know that, it may work out in the end if they can't find any other striker.

[imamusma]

The reason why Real Madrid lose against Juventus is Real Madrid use a strategy where it depend on Bellingham as an attacking midfielder. They're more comfortable when the midfielder backing up other midfielder and working together.

But it's clear there are so many chances in Real Madrid, but their strikers weren't able to maximize it.

This is a new debut for Jude Bellingham in Madrid, because it is still in a friendly match coach Carlo Ancelotti trying to find the right position for him, Ancelotti has made several game options throughout pre-season to find the maximum performance from all players. However, this defeat will see Ancelotti return to make more correcting in his first team before LaLiga starts

Ancelotti has tended to play Jude Bellingham as an attacking midfielder in his last 4 pre-season games. Bellingham plays well in that position where he can help Real Madrid build up attacks. Real Madrid won 2 of their 4 pre-season matches against Milan and Manchester United, but Real Madrid lost their last 2 matches against Barcelona and Juventus.

Of course Ancelotti really has to evaluate his team's performance after 4 pre-season games, obviously he still has time to do so before the league starts on the 13th of August. On the other hand Real Madrid really need a great striker to help them win games, that is one of the most important things that Ancelotti has to focus on for his team.

[harapan]

Losing Benzema wasn't part of their plan this summer. Therefore they haven't made up their mind about any other solid striker yet. But the longer they wait the worse for them. Because potential good youngsters are mostly close to signing for other teams. Vlahovic can join Chelsea soon and PSG are close to seal the deal for Goncalo Ramos.

Manchester United have reached an agreement for Hojlund also. Other than these players I don't know who they would be after now. For example Lautaro Martinez was a rumour in the past but he also stated clearly that he wanted to stay at Inter.

There is a short time period left for the season to start so they had better be faster than this.

Your analysis of the game and football is top tier, Real Madrid never planned to let Benzema leave but as he wanted, they couldn't say no to tie him down. If well considered he has impacted majorly for Real Madrid. He should hold the position of the third Real Madrid highest goal scorer after Ronaldo and Raul.
Getting a striker this season has been difficult. Real Madrid struggling, Bayern Munich fighting not to miss Harry Kane and PSG will be without Mbappe so they finally has agreed with Ramos the Portugal player. Lauturo Martinez to Real Madrid will be like Hugian to Real Madrid not good enough for that big club.

[nurilham]

The reason why Real Madrid lose against Juventus is Real Madrid use a strategy where it depend on Bellingham as an attacking midfielder. They're more comfortable when the midfielder backing up other midfielder and working together.

But it's clear there are so many chances in Real Madrid, but their strikers weren't able to maximize it.

It is a new tactic made by Ancelotti, Real Madrid players need an adaptation. They are not used to 1 attacking midfielder and 2 center midfielders. They often used 1 defensive midfielders and 2 center midfielders. In this formation, Real Madrid defense is stronger. Now, by removing the defensive midfielder, their defense looks weaker. That's why Real Madrid got more conceded goals in the current friendly matches.

Sure, Real Madrid striker (Joselu) seems not convincing enough. Real Madrid must sign Mbappe to ensure that they have a deserve striker who can optimize shoot attempts. Real Madrid can't rely on Vinicius and Rodrygo only, they need another machine goal. Someone who has the similar capability as Benzema (a deserved replacement for Benzema).

[tiCeR]

Yes, Atlantic Madrid sounds pretty good for the MLS, by the way 
As for your question, it's me. I believe that Atlético may well kick City out of the Champions League - in the 21-22 season they played almost on an equal footing with City and City at the end of the game played exactly the shameful Simeone football (tightening time, fouls, senseless ball control).

I am definitely not one of those who'd say that Atletico has no chance because that's wrong, Atletico has a chance as much as any other team has a chance to win a game against Manchester City. But the relative strength of the two teams has shifted significantly over recent years and yet the game has to be played. But if that games was repeated many times, I would say that Manchester City would win significantly more games than they tie or lose against Atletico considering their present state.

Atletico a few years ago was the most inconvenient and nasty team to play against because of their attitude and their quality. There was an evil, yet effective synergy between their attitude and their quality. But do you think that they still have that quality? The attitude might be the same, but the quality isn't. That's what I can tell from my point of view.

There is no doubt that City will win most of the games in a long series. But Atlético are an awkward opponent for City in their style and if they are in shape or luck is on their side they can win. As for their current quality, firstly, the upcoming season will show, and secondly, it is obvious that Atlético has regressed in recent years. I think the problem is Diego Simeone - he is stuck in one place and it is high time for him to leave, if only to refresh his football experience in another club/League.

I completely agree with you on this one. Diego Simeone can be a great coach and give a team the energy he is himself carrying, but people adapt to that and Simeone doesn't look as motivated and energized as he did when Atletico was at its peak. I felt that the combination of Atletico and Simeone should have come to an end a few years ago.

As you said, they seem to be stuck. They won't drop and finish 12th in La Liga, but it also doesn't look like they would be a Champions League favorite anymore or be a serious candidate for the La Liga title (although that is possible when Real and Barcelona suck for a season).

He doesn't have the same positive influence on the team as he used to have in the past, that is at least what I think. They could turn into a Wenger-Arsenal thing, stay together for 20 years without being exceptionally good or bad.

[kawetsriyanto]

Your analysis of the game and football is top tier, Real Madrid never planned to let Benzema leave but as he wanted, they couldn't say no to tie him down. If well considered he has impacted majorly for Real Madrid. He should hold the position of the third Real Madrid highest goal scorer after Ronaldo and Raul.
Getting a striker this season has been difficult. Real Madrid struggling, Bayern Munich fighting not to miss Harry Kane and PSG will be without Mbappe so they finally has agreed with Ramos the Portugal player. Lauturo Martinez to Real Madrid will be like Hugian to Real Madrid not good enough for that big club.

I believe Real Madrid has planned to lose Benzema. He is getting old, it is like other players who left Real Madrid when they are growing old. Ronaldo, Bale, Ramos, and other players are just the example who move to other teams when they are not in their ideal ages anymore. It is something very usual for Real Madrid to lose their stars players and change them with younger players. It is actually good idea, it is for the regeneration for the squad.

What make Real Madrid still can't get a good striker is because they too focus on negotiating with Mbappe only. They know that Mbappe wants to move to Real Madrid, but the problem is in the PSG management. They always make it more complicated, especially about the amount of money for transfer fees. For other strikers like Harry Kane or Martinez, they are for the alternative options.

[Leviathan.007]

The reason why Real Madrid lose against Juventus is Real Madrid use a strategy where it depend on Bellingham as an attacking midfielder. They're more comfortable when the midfielder backing up other midfielder and working together.

But it's clear there are so many chances in Real Madrid, but their strikers weren't able to maximize it.

This is a new debut for Jude Bellingham in Madrid, because it is still in a friendly match coach Carlo Ancelotti trying to find the right position for him, Ancelotti has made several game options throughout pre-season to find the maximum performance from all players. However, this defeat will see Ancelotti return to make more correcting in his first team before LaLiga starts

Ancelotti has tended to play Jude Bellingham as an attacking midfielder in his last 4 pre-season games. Bellingham plays well in that position where he can help Real Madrid build up attacks. Real Madrid won 2 of their 4 pre-season matches against Milan and Manchester United, but Real Madrid lost their last 2 matches against Barcelona and Juventus.

Of course Ancelotti really has to evaluate his team's performance after 4 pre-season games, obviously he still has time to do so before the league starts on the 13th of August. On the other hand Real Madrid really need a great striker to help them win games, that is one of the most important things that Ancelotti has to focus on for his team.

Whenever I see the recent matches from Real Madrid I can see and feel the empty place of Benzema in this team because after he left the team they couldn't hire a good striker to fill his place and Real Madrid could have had much better performance in the recent games we saw if they had a striker like Mbappe in their team.
That's why Ancelotti had to put some players to helping the forwards ad attacking like setting Jude Bellingham is a good example of it.

[Google+]

This is a new debut for Jude Bellingham in Madrid, because it is still in a friendly match coach Carlo Ancelotti trying to find the right position for him, Ancelotti has made several game options throughout pre-season to find the maximum performance from all players. However, this defeat will see Ancelotti return to make more correcting in his first team before LaLiga starts

If you see potential that is quite right for Bellingham's position, it is an attacking midfielder who is believed to be a player who will fill Luka Modric place next season. Yes, ancelotti tried several formation changes in order to find the ideal position for their new players but in the last two matches they suffered defeats which resulted in the testing of the new formation failing to reap success. And most likely 4-3-3 is the ideal formation that has integrated with player Real Madrid.

The defeat in the last two matches has indeed made Real Madrid look like it wasn't quite ready to start an official match when La Liga started. Ancelotti still has time to find the best strategy to use this season. But my assessment is that they need a goalscorer who is more successful like Mbappe.

[Rengga Jati]

-snip-

It's very obvious that there two things that could happen concerning the Mbappe saga before the end of the transfer window, one is Mbappe stay at PSG for another year before moving the next summer, two signing a contract with Realmadrid which is his preferred option, rumours have it that he's having a secret talk with Realmadrid but I don't believe in rumours until I see Mbappe in a Realmadrid shirt  playing for the team, also about weeks ago Realmadrid coach when asked about Mbappe's situation didn't leave any hint or drop any clue from his comments rather he said he wasn't going to talk about the players of other clubs.

Exactly, never believe in such rumor.
And for some reason, it seems that PSG are not really willing to let Mbappe go to Real Madrid, especially because the price agreement has not met PSG's expectations. So when there was an offer from Chelsea, they seemed to take it very seriously. And even gave the green light to expedite Mbappe's transfer to Chelsea. But again, it won't be that easy, especially since it will also depend on the player himself. On the other hand, it seems that Real Madrid hasn't made any concrete steps to get Mbappe as soon as possible, despite the fast news regarding bids from Chelsea and other clubs for Mbappe. They just feel relaxed.

[Docnaster]

The reason why Real Madrid lose against Juventus is Real Madrid use a strategy where it depend on Bellingham as an attacking midfielder. They're more comfortable when the midfielder backing up other midfielder and working together.

But it's clear there are so many chances in Real Madrid, but their strikers weren't able to maximize it.

This is a new debut for Jude Bellingham in Madrid, because it is still in a friendly match coach Carlo Ancelotti trying to find the right position for him, Ancelotti has made several game options throughout pre-season to find the maximum performance from all players. However, this defeat will see Ancelotti return to make more correcting in his first team before LaLiga starts

Ancelotti has tended to play Jude Bellingham as an attacking midfielder in his last 4 pre-season games. Bellingham plays well in that position where he can help Real Madrid build up attacks. Real Madrid won 2 of their 4 pre-season matches against Milan and Manchester United, but Real Madrid lost their last 2 matches against Barcelona and Juventus.

Of course Ancelotti really has to evaluate his team's performance after 4 pre-season games, obviously he still has time to do so before the league starts on the 13th of August. On the other hand Real Madrid really need a great striker to help them win games, that is one of the most important things that Ancelotti has to focus on for his team.

Whenever I see the recent matches from Real Madrid I can see and feel the empty place of Benzema in this team because after he left the team they couldn't hire a good striker to fill his place and Real Madrid could have had much better performance in the recent games we saw if they had a striker like Mbappe in their team.
That's why Ancelotti had to put some players to helping the forwards ad attacking like setting Jude Bellingham is a good example of it.

Karim Benzema's goal numbers for Real Madrid since Cristiano Ronaldo left the Spanish club speaks volume of how important he's been for the club for the past five seasons and would greatly be missed if Madrid fails to find a good replacement for the Frenchman before the end of the summer transfer window.
Kylian Mbappe who's been in the news for over two months about his reported interest to play for Madrid doesn't look like a player who would join Madrid this summer considering the conflicting decisions he's having with PSG. That being said, Madrid must find his replacement if they truly want to do well next season

[Velvet78]

Dembele signing hasn't still been completed by PSG but it is close to be finalized. As far as I know they have still managed to agree for his release clause worth 50 million euros. Barcelona are waiting on this transfer to be completed officially as soon as possible. Because they have other plans after that.

Xavi was still feeling disappointed with the decision being made by dembele but the main problem is now if dembele has been choosing to leave from the club to join in the PSG. Barcelona can do nothing as dembele has asked permission to the club directly to let him leave to the PSG.
Dembele's transfer was still in the process but it will be completed very soon. You shall not feel worry about that. Dembele's transfer will be completed as soon as possible. Barcelona gonna announce vitor roque as a replacement for dembele. The problem if vitor may not able to adapt to the club easily. It needs time for him unlike dembele which has been playing in barcelona for many years.

https://theathletic.com/4738317/2023/08/02/barcelona-ousmane-dembele-transfer-psg/

Vitor Roque isn't joining Barcelona this summer. There is already an agreement for him between sides but the transfer is going to be completed officially next summer. Besides technically Roque is a centre-forward but of course he can play as left or right winger when there is need. But the situation is like I explained now.

Maybe we won't even see Barcelona bringing someone to fill Dembele's void this summer. They might want to use the other players available in the squad who can play there as I said. But if they won't have issues with FFP I think they should bring someone.

[Alpha Marine]

Your analysis of the game and football is top tier, Real Madrid never planned to let Benzema leave but as he wanted, they couldn't say no to tie him down. If well considered he has impacted majorly for Real Madrid. He should hold the position of the third Real Madrid highest goal scorer after Ronaldo and Raul.

Actually, Real Madrid planned on letting Benzema go. They didn't try to persuade him, they didn't offer him a new deal. A good number of the Madrid fans wanted him gone. They say he's old, slow, and finished. They blamed him for the loss against City, they also blamed him for the league loss. They said he has declined and could no longer play for Madrid.

The mistake Madrid made was thinking getting Mbappe would be easy. They knew PSG won't want to lose Mbappe for free so they'll sell him this summer for a lower fee. They believed they would get Mbappe to replace Benzema.

At this point, Mbappe is not all Madrid needs right now. The defense is in chaos and the midfield is not creative enough. A midfield of Camavinga, Bellingham, Valverde, and Tchouameni is not a creative midfield I'm afraid. They may win games but when they meet teams that are very compact in defense they won't be able to penetrate. That's exactly what happened against Barcelona and Juventus in thepre-seasonss.
Right now the only creative players for Madrid is Vinicius. If he can be kept quiet then Madrid is toothless.

[shinratensei_]

Dembele signing hasn't still been completed by PSG but it is close to be finalized. As far as I know they have still managed to agree for his release clause worth 50 million euros. Barcelona are waiting on this transfer to be completed officially as soon as possible. Because they have other plans after that.

Xavi was still feeling disappointed with the decision being made by dembele but the main problem is now if dembele has been choosing to leave from the club to join in the PSG. Barcelona can do nothing as dembele has asked permission to the club directly to let him leave to the PSG.
Dembele's transfer was still in the process but it will be completed very soon. You shall not feel worry about that. Dembele's transfer will be completed as soon as possible. Barcelona gonna announce vitor roque as a replacement for dembele. The problem if vitor may not able to adapt to the club easily. It needs time for him unlike dembele which has been playing in barcelona for many years.

https://theathletic.com/4738317/2023/08/02/barcelona-ousmane-dembele-transfer-psg/

Vitor Roque isn't joining Barcelona this summer. There is already an agreement for him between sides but the transfer is going to be completed officially next summer. Besides technically Roque is a centre-forward but of course he can play as left or right winger when there is need. But the situation is like I explained now.

Not for now, but maybe later. Romano has been officially announcing if dembele already pass all of process and he will be doing medical test as soon as possible. The fact that if barcelona may need to get a replacement for dembele as soon as possible.
I think that barcelona may be trying to complete vitor's transfer as soon as possible after dembele leaves from the club very soon. Vitor is very close to the barclonce. I expect him to come as soon as possible. Barcelona may able to use money raised from selling dembele to get him.

Maybe we won't even see Barcelona bringing someone to fill Dembele's void this summer. They might want to use the other players available in the squad who can play there as I said. But if they won't have issues with FFP I think they should bring someone.

Im not sure about that but i kinda feel if barcelona will still get him. Forbes has been also releasing a news regarding him. Barcelona shall find a replacement for dembele as soon as possible.
I think that vitor is a good one for that.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomsanderson/2023/08/02/fc-barcelona-could-incorporate-vitor-roque-now-as-player-wants-summer-switch---but-on-one-condition/?sh=23195f3d5772

[shogun47]

The reason why Real Madrid lose against Juventus is Real Madrid use a strategy where it depend on Bellingham as an attacking midfielder. They're more comfortable when the midfielder backing up other midfielder and working together.

But it's clear there are so many chances in Real Madrid, but their strikers weren't able to maximize it.

This is a new debut for Jude Bellingham in Madrid, because it is still in a friendly match coach Carlo Ancelotti trying to find the right position for him, Ancelotti has made several game options throughout pre-season to find the maximum performance from all players. However, this defeat will see Ancelotti return to make more correcting in his first team before LaLiga starts

Ancelotti has tended to play Jude Bellingham as an attacking midfielder in his last 4 pre-season games. Bellingham plays well in that position where he can help Real Madrid build up attacks. Real Madrid won 2 of their 4 pre-season matches against Milan and Manchester United, but Real Madrid lost their last 2 matches against Barcelona and Juventus.

Of course Ancelotti really has to evaluate his team's performance after 4 pre-season games, obviously he still has time to do so before the league starts on the 13th of August. On the other hand Real Madrid really need a great striker to help them win games, that is one of the most important things that Ancelotti has to focus on for his team.

Whenever I see the recent matches from Real Madrid I can see and feel the empty place of Benzema in this team because after he left the team they couldn't hire a good striker to fill his place and Real Madrid could have had much better performance in the recent games we saw if they had a striker like Mbappe in their team.
That's why Ancelotti had to put some players to helping the forwards ad attacking like setting Jude Bellingham is a good example of it.

Karim Benzema's goal numbers for Real Madrid since Cristiano Ronaldo left the Spanish club speaks volume of how important he's been for the club for the past five seasons and would greatly be missed if Madrid fails to find a good replacement for the Frenchman before the end of the summer transfer window.
Kylian Mbappe who's been in the news for over two months about his reported interest to play for Madrid doesn't look like a player who would join Madrid this summer considering the conflicting decisions he's having with PSG. That being said, Madrid must find his replacement if they truly want to do well next season

I think Real Madrid would have less problems to find a new striker if they already had the answer to the back and forth with Mbappe. Any other striker knows about the risk to go to Real Madrid when it is still possible that Mbappe will come as well because it is obvious what that means for any other striker. It means sitting on the bench.

But it can still take four more weeks until the final answer will be given to the whole story around Mbappe. He would fit very well into the team with Vinicius Junior as that would be the highest speed attacking duo in soccer I guess. Though there is a risk that Real Madrid starts into the new season with a new top striker. I think that is what Ancelotti is also afraid of.

[TopT3ns]

Whenever I see the recent matches from Real Madrid I can see and feel the empty place of Benzema in this team because after he left the team they couldn't hire a good striker to fill his place and Real Madrid could have had much better performance in the recent games we saw if they had a striker like Mbappe in their team.
That's why Ancelotti had to put some players to helping the forwards ad attacking like setting Jude Bellingham is a good example of it.

Until now, Ancelotti has still had trouble finding replacement players like Benzema, so this is what makes it difficult for Real Madrid to get a win like what happened when they fought Juventus yesterday. Hopefully, in the upcoming league, Real Madrid will be ready and able to compete with other teams and climb into the top five positions at the top of the standings.

[AndySt]

I think Real Madrid would have less problems to find a new striker if they already had the answer to the back and forth with Mbappe. Any other striker knows about the risk to go to Real Madrid when it is still possible that Mbappe will come as well because it is obvious what that means for any other striker. It means sitting on the bench. But it can still take four more weeks until the final answer will be given to the whole story around Mbappe. He would fit very well into the team with Vinicius Junior as that would be the highest speed attacking duo in soccer I guess. Though there is a risk that Real Madrid starts into the new season with a new top striker. I think that is what Ancelotti is also afraid of.

On the contrary, in this situation, I would say that only Real Madrid has complete clarity on the issue with Mbappe, unlike other parties, including even the current club player Paris Saint Germain. Only Florentino Perez and company really know whether Mbappe will move to Real Madrid this season or as a free agent next season. Therefore, we can say that Real Madrid to some extent creates problems and ambiguity for itself in this matter.

[lalabotax]

Whenever I see the recent matches from Real Madrid I can see and feel the empty place of Benzema in this team because after he left the team they couldn't hire a good striker to fill his place and Real Madrid could have had much better performance in the recent games we saw if they had a striker like Mbappe in their team.
That's why Ancelotti had to put some players to helping the forwards ad attacking like setting Jude Bellingham is a good example of it.

It is undeniable that Real Madrid really needs a new striker who is very capable and competent to replace Benzema. With the current squad, I admit that RealMadrid will not be able to survive in the UCL. UCL includes many big clubs which this season they have really started quite well with their respective squad arrangements. However, it seems that Real Madrid is still not optimal. They are not so strong anymore up front, even though that is their spear of attack. Indeed, conditions were very different when Benzema started getting injured and even now he has moved. front line realmadrid really decreased.

That's why they need Mbappe to be the most appropriate replacement for Benzema. If this happens, then Real Madrid will really get up and go strong again.