Real Madrid this season is probably the least sparkling we have become accustomed to seeing in recent years. Nothing goes easily for Zinedine Zidane’s gang, but even so, the Blancos like the Blancos do not know how to raise their hands. For the big derby of the Spanish capital against the leader Atletico, the champion will arrive knowing that this is probably its last chance game – a victory, and it is only two points from the city rival, while in any other result the ambitions of the second consecutive championship will suffer a severe blow.
The game, like all Spanish league games, will be broadcast on channel ONE for HOT subscribers, yes subscribers, Cellcom TV and Partner TV.
And while the Blancos are suffering from instability that is reflected in both the results and the frequent changes in the squad as a result of injuries, Zidane seems to have one thing to hold on to, one that is an instability between all the mess and the team’s dependence on it has become negligible – Kasmiro.
Can not without him
For the first derby of the season, somewhere in December, Atletico arrived with an almost unstoppable look and for the first time in a long time, was perceived as a favorite in a matchup against the city rival. But on the lawn at Alfredo Di Stefano between it and a significant statement of intent in running for the championship stood Casimiro. In a huge display and his characteristic cunning and class – Zidane’s Brazilian rock in the middle of the field thwarted with his own feet every attempt by the Colcheneros and with a typical “Xmiroy” shot, eliminated after only 15 minutes any hope that Diego Simeone still had to reach the decisive minutes 0-0, as That the Colchoneros’ conservative coach loves. It ended in a prestigious and important 0: 2 and prevented Atletico from escaping.
Casimiro is the most important player this season at Real and this is reflected in the results. The Brazilian has been absent this season in four games, of which the Blancos have managed to win only once without him. Even in the 1-0 loss to Cadiz, Zidane’s ax went into the half in a 1-0 deficit, but failed to help the champions avoid a loss. This is not accidental. Casimiro’s importance on the defensive side is critical. It is a human wall in the central and lower third of the pitch and this is reflected in the numbers of the midfielder, who in the absence of the injured Sergio Ramos, leads in every defensive parameter in Real’s game.
Before we present the huge data, a critical preliminary fact must be noted – Real Madrid is in third place in the league in ball possession (60.4 percent of the time, third only to Barcelona with 65 percent and Sevilla with 61.9). Casimiro records 2.5 tackles per game (fourth in the league), 1.9 ball saves (10 in the league) and the most amazing figure – he is in fourth place in the league in the percentage of successful pressure actions, with no less than 39.5 cases in which an opposing player’s pressure led to the opponent losing a ball. This figure is no less astonishing when you look at the players who lead it in this category who come from Elche, Huesca and Osasuna, table / bottom center teams that mostly chase the rival players and as a result, will probably perform more successful pressure actions.
The ramos of the link
But Casimiro’s tremendous impact does not end with the incredible defensive work he does. Throughout last season, the Brazilian has scored four league goals, this season already standing at five in 20 appearances. Beyond that, Casimiro’s goals are critical. Of the five goals he scored, four were first goals to give an advantage. In addition, all of Casimiro’s goals came as a result of stationary situations, three of them from Tony Cross’ cooks and in a season where the Blancos have a hard time producing goals from a partner and do not enjoy attacking numbers except Karim Benzema, it is a significant weapon that proves itself time and time again. Just like that of Atletico, just like he did in the game in the first round.
Real Madrid have no shortage of problems this season – instability in results and ability, players who are far from delivering the goods and also Ramos’ disadvantage in terms of leadership and defensive play is well felt, but in all this, the Spanish champions can take comfort in having a linking asset. Quite a few teams in the world top crave a player like Casimiro, a real ax in midfield, one who dramatically lowers the pressure from defensive players, whose mere presence in midfield poses a constant threat and apprehension to the opposing player when he receives the ball.
Atletico Madrid of the season is an excellent team, which seems to be significantly more balanced than in recent years. But despite leading the table and convincing ability for long periods, the Colchoneros have yet to prove they can beat Real, with the previous game between the two being on one side, much thanks to Casimiro’s tremendous ability. Now that she is without Sergio Ramos, it seems that the Brazilian will have to bring from himself, beyond the undisputed professional abilities, also the leadership of the injured El Capitan. If that happens, will the Blancos leave Madrid white and the championship race? It will become hotter, tighter and more open than ever.