The board at La Liga giants Real Madrid were tonight sent an indirect message, regarding the January transfer window.
As much came en route to the club’s eventual drubbing of Borussia Dortmund.
Real are fresh off a rampaging 5-2 triumph on Tuesday, which saw Vinícius Jr. prove himself the star of the show courtesy of a 2nd-half hat-trick.
And yet, with 45 minutes on the clock at the Santiago Bernabéu, Los Blancos found themselves in deep trouble.
This came as Dortmund raced out to a 2-0 advantage, courtesy of strikes on the part of Donyell Malen, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
And, en route to as much, those behind the scenes in Spain’s capital should have been taking clear note.
Whilst Carlo Ancelotti’s side, as a whole, failed to cover themselves in glory for either of Dortmund’s goals, one player in particular was badly caught out for both.
The individual in question? Lucas Vázquez.
Vázquez was for his part asked to fill in at right-back once again this evening, in the absence of Dani Carvajal.
And though the Spaniard proved key to Real’s eventual comeback – he bagged the hosts’ 3rd of the game – Vázquez’s defensive deficiencies were also laid bare for all to see.
The 33-year-old has long done admirably in stepping in at full-back when required for Ancelotti’s side.
But the fact remains that Vázquez is simply not a defender. He is a winger posing as one, a sacrifice which should be commended.
Tonight, his lack of awareness and defensive nous did not cost Real Madrid when it came to the result.
However, over the course of a long season, with Carvajal ruled out long-term, at some point or another it will, most likely in a meeting with another top club.
And so, Florentino Pérez and co. must take note – defensive reinforcements are desperately needed in the Spanish champions’ squad, and should be absolutely prioritised upon the opening of the January transfer window.
Conor Laird – GSFN
