Real Madrid News,Rumors & Schedule: What We Learned From Team's 2-0 Win Over Cordoba

By David Salazar Aug 26 2014, 16:58 PM EDT

Real Madrid opened the 2014-15 season Monday with a 2-0 win over newly promoted side Cordoba.

Despite the scoreline, the team was rightfully booed by its fans at the Santiago Bernabeu for what turned out to be a mediocre showing from the team. Here are some observations from the opening match:

Defense Is an Issue

This has been a running theme for a few weeks now since the preseason started. But it is clear that the team's lack of support in front of goal is a problem. Against a weaker Cordoba side, the team's backline lacked composure and was often caught on the attack. Sergio Ramos was woeful at times and continued his batch of mental errors that have been commonplace since the World Cup debacle against the Netherlands. Something is going on there with the Spanish defenseman. It must be sorted out if this team is to continue playing at the highest level.

On the flanks, the team saw how dangerous playing Alvaro Arbeloa and Marcelo could be. The former is simply not a great defender any longer. He offers little-to-nothing on the attack and his lack of speed and imprecise technique make him a liability on the back end. Marcelo is strong moving forward, but his decision-making at the back is a major problem. He often attempts one dribble too many and loses possession far too easily.

Then there is the issue in goal. Iker Casillas is now the main man at Madrid and while he made some solid saves, he gave up a dreadful rebound on a goal that was ruled off side. He also looked unconvincing on setpieces, an issue that has always plagued him throughout his career; that issue has gotten to worse in recent seasons. On one corner, he committed to trying to bat away a corner, but then stopped in his tracks and found himself in No Man's Land. Fortunately for him, the Cordoba player headed the ball wide. He needs to improve or he might lose the job to Keylor Navas sooner than he expects.

Attack Still Needs Some Work

Angel Di Maria was brilliant at linking the midfield to the BBC of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. But without him, the team lacks that explosive ability to unsettle opposing defenses and find clear chances. In fact, Real Madrid is starting to look like the punchless Barcelona team of 2013-14. The possession game seems decent, especially with Toni Kroos leading the way. But Luke Modric is lacking space now, as he is being forced to sit deep and find space forward. James Rodriguez continued to show encouraging signs, but he fizzled out rather quickly in the second half before making way for Isco. The Spaniard is great with the ball on his feet, but he is unable to replicate the directness of Di Maria with his dribbling.

Meanwhile, the BBC is struggling. Bale was marked by three defenders and was rendered ineffective. Benzema scored and looked more settled while Ronaldo struggled immensely before scoring his opener at the very end of the game.

The team might need to rethink its shape and utilize a true holding midfielder like Sam Khedira in front of the front four. Without such a player, the team simply looks susceptible to counter attacks.