Carreras' howler in the 95th minute haunts Real Madrid
Real Madrid deserved more from a match where Vinicius shone brightly, but a late missed sitter from Carreras in stoppage time proved costly.
A moment of pure agony for the Madridistas as Carreras fluffed an absolute sitter in the dying embers of the match.
Tale of two halves
Real Madrid’s performance was a proper Jekyll and Hyde affair. The first half was absolutely diabolical - sitting deeper than the Mariana Trench and handing possession to their opponents on a silver platter. The strategy seemed clear enough: absorb pressure and then unleash the Brazilian duo of Vinicius and Rodrygo on the counter.
But it wasn’t quite clicking, was it? The team looked more cautious than my nan crossing the road, inviting unnecessary pressure and failing to assert their usual dominance.
Vini’s moment of magic
While the team struggled for cohesion, Vinicius was having himself a day. The Brazilian winger was head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch, including his compatriot Rodrygo who couldn’t quite find his rhythm.
Vini produced an absolute worldie - the sort of goal that would normally be played on highlight reels for years to come. The kind that makes you spill your pint in disbelief. Shame it wasn’t the winner, innit?
The missed chance that’ll haunt dreams
But football can be a cruel mistress. As the clock ticked into the 95th minute, Carreras found himself with the goal at his mercy. The chance was easier than a Sunday morning stroll through the park - but somehow, against all logic, he managed to make a proper dog’s dinner of it.
That miss will be replayed in his head for weeks to come. The kind of chance that has managers pulling their barnet out and fans screaming at their tellies.
What it means
Real Madrid deserved more from this match based on their improved second-half display. The team showed character to grow into the game after a tepid first half, but ultimately will feel this was two points dropped rather than one gained.
Questions will remain about Carlo Ancelotti’s initial conservative approach, but Vinicius’ continued brilliance remains a silver lining for Los Blancos.