Valdano spots Madrid's healing scar ahead of Benfica battle

Madrid showing their best form without Mbappé’s ‘artificial assistance’ as Valdano warns of tough Champions League test in Lisbon

Jorge Valdano, the silver-tongued Argentine who graced the Bernabéu pitch and dugout in the 80s and 90s, has been dishing out some proper insight on Real Madrid’s current state after their convincing win against Real Sociedad.

Vini Jr healing relationship with fans

The 70-year-old pundit highlighted how Vinicius Jr has stepped up in Kylian Mbappé’s absence, showing a notable improvement in his overall game. What caught Valdano’s eye wasn’t just Vini’s performance but the Brazilian’s improving connection with the Bernabéu faithful.

“It’s time for that relationship to heal,” Valdano observed about Vinicius and the Madrid supporters - pointing to what he sees as a crucial development in the Brazilian’s Madrid journey.

Madrid finding consistency

Valdano was particularly impressed with aspects of Madrid’s game that had previously been lacking:

• Sustained performance throughout the match
• Improved pressing game
• Clinical finishing in front of goal

The former Madrid man noted that Los Blancos generated enough chances to secure a convincing result against what should have been a formidable opponent in Real Sociedad.

Lisbon warning

Looking ahead to the Champions League clash against Benfica, Valdano believes Madrid won’t repeat the same defensive errors from their last European outing.

He reckons José Mourinho’s recent tactical masterclass against Madrid might have already provided the wake-up call they needed. However, he warned that Carlo Ancelotti’s men face “battles” if they want to “come out alive from Lisbon” - proper Adam and Eve that one, innit?

Madrid’s performance against La Real suggests they’re finding form at just the right time, but European away days are a different kettle of fish altogether.