This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Real Madrid's season has taken a dramatic turn, shifting focus from their attack to their resilient defense. This transformation is evident ahead of their Champions League group game against Club Brugge on Tuesday.
At the end of last season, fans were eagerly anticipating the arrival of top strikers, with names like Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah, and Robert Lewandowski being mentioned. However, Luka Jovic was the one who joined the team, and despite struggling for starts, he has yet to score a goal.
Eden Hazard, tasked with filling the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo, has also faced challenges, including injury and a period of adjustment. Zinedine Zidane, the team's coach, has expressed confidence in Hazard, stating, "We would like him to score because it will release him. But there is no problem with him."
Despite the team's reliance on their defense, they have managed to keep three consecutive clean sheets in the league under Zidane. This is a remarkable turnaround from their previous struggles, particularly against Paris Saint-Germain, who defeated them 3-0 in the Champions League 10 days ago.
Zidane's emphasis on defense has been a key factor in the team's recovery. He stated, "Defending is very important, it is the fundamentals." The team's defense has been bolstered by the return of Sergio Ramos, who has been instrumental in the team's recent clean sheets.
Another key factor in the team's success has been the performances of Fede Valverde, who has impressed in defensive midfield. Zidane praised Valverde, saying, "I want to highlight Valverde as well. He played a brutal match."
As the team looks to build on their recent success, they will face a tough test against Club Brugge. A win would be a significant boost for the team, especially with the rematch against PSG coming in November and the season's first Clasico against Barcelona arriving at the end of the month.
