In their UEFA Super Cup opener, Real Madrid secured a win over Atalanta, which came as no surprise to Bangla Cricket Live observers. However, the draw against Mallorca in their second match raised eyebrows, casting early doubts on Madrid’s title defense despite the season having just begun. The underwhelming result led many experts to scrutinize manager Carlo Ancelotti’s late substitutions.
According to Bangla Cricket Live statistics, Real Madrid’s substitutes contributed to 68 goals last season, proving pivotal in their success across multiple competitions. This season, the bench remains just as critical, yet Ancelotti seems hesitant to fully leverage it. Despite possessing a deep and talented squad—as shown in preseason and training matches—he continues to rely almost exclusively on his preferred starting eleven, often delaying changes until it’s too late.
Against Mallorca, for instance, Ancelotti waited until the 88th minute to make a substitution—far too late to alter the outcome. The team dropped two valuable points. It’s worth noting that last season, despite having star players like Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo, it was often the bench that made the difference in clutch moments.
Madrid’s bench tallied 37 goals and 31 assists during the last campaign, including 12 match-deciding goals in the final stages of games across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League. Players like Joselu, who scored 17 goals and added three assists, and Brahim Díaz, with 10 goals and six assists, regularly made an impact off the bench. Luka Modrić brought composure and experience, while Lucas Vázquez and Arda Güler delivered match-saving contributions. Backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also silenced critics after stepping in for the injured Courtois with stellar performances.
Real Madrid’s inability to create more scoring chances during favorable stretches this season suggests that overreliance on the starting lineup is proving problematic. Bench players aren’t getting enough time to make an impact.
Still, veterans like Joselu have stepped up repeatedly. In the Champions League clash against Napoli, Joselu and Nico Paz came off the bench to orchestrate a dramatic comeback. He also played a key role in the Spanish Super Cup win over Atlético Madrid, and of course, his iconic brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinal sealed Madrid’s spot in the final.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old Modrić continues to prove invaluable. His game-winning goal against Sevilla reminded fans of his ability to change matches, even in limited minutes. Newcomers like Camavinga and Tchouaméni have also delivered off the bench, notably turning the tide against Las Palmas.
Bangla Cricket Live notes that Real Madrid’s success last season wasn’t just about star power—it was built on depth and strategic rotation. Now, even with a marquee addition like Kylian Mbappé, a long season demands that Ancelotti fully utilize his bench to maintain form, secure wins, and adapt quickly when needed.