Solely 66 hours after their 120 minutes and a nerve-wracking penalty shootout in a extremely demanding match towards Atletico Madrid within the UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16, Actual Madrid returned to motion as they confronted one other tough process of going through Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica.
Along with the fatigue accrued from the midweek, one other means their earlier UCL affected Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup for this recreation was with the harm that Ferland Mendy suffered in that recreation. The Frenchman was subbed out within the 83rd minute with a muscle drawback and is predicted to stay on the sidelines for 3 to 4 weeks.
In his absence, Ancelotti had two choices for the left-back place for the sport towards the Yellow Submarines, i.e., Fran Garcia and Eduardo Camavinga. Finally, the Italian tactician determined to subject the Spaniard on this place, whereas enjoying the Frenchman in his pure place within the midfield.
Garcia took good benefit of this chance as he put in a relatively uncomplicated efficiency. Though he’s extra of an attacking fullback than Mendy, on this recreation, his involvement was largely restricted to the defence, regardless that he incessantly ran up the pitch to mix with Rodrygo Goes, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe.
Though he managed an excellent passing success fee of 95%, finishing 55 of his 58 tried passes, he was not the inventive spark that he may very well be from the left aspect of the pitch. This was fairly clear from the truth that he put in only one cross on the evening, and even that was not correct.
Alternatively, whereas defending, and statistics present that he made 4 clearances, 2 interceptions, and 5 tackles, whereas additionally blocking 1 shot. Garcia additionally received 7 of his 8 floor duels.
Nonetheless, certainly one of his errors additionally led to a shot for Villarreal and will have ended up costing his aspect on one other evening and he was additionally unable to win any of his 2 aerial duels.
Thus, though missing his standard attacking aptitude, the Spanish defender was capable of do his job with out many hiccups and helped Actual Madrid get an important win away from house. After being poor for many a part of the season, Ferland Mendy has not too long ago began to choose up type and has been enjoying the larger video games as a substitute of Garcia.
Due to this fact, this efficiency from the Spanish fullback can show to be essential in quest of extra minutes going ahead.