Power of the bench: Stats show why Ancelotti must trust Real Madrid substitutes more

Real Madrid began their 2024/25 La Liga season with a disappointing result, managing only a draw against Mallorca.

For a team of Real Madrid’s stature, dropping two points in the opening match is far from the ideal start and this result not only raised eyebrows but also highlighted a crucial issue: Carlo Ancelotti’s reluctance to fully utilise his bench strength.

It is to be noted that Ancelotti has a reputation for sticking with a core group of players, often relying heavily on a consistent starting XI.

While this strategy has its merits, it can also be limiting, especially in a long and gruelling season where depth becomes increasingly important.

There is much more than what meets the eye

Last season, Ancelotti’s bench squad was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, frequently coming off the bench to turn games around and secure vital victories.

To put things into perspective, the substitutes were responsible for 37 goals and 31 assists last season. This accounts for almost 29% of the team’s tally of 129 goals.

These contributions weren’t just insignificant goals; 12 of these goals came late in the season, tipping the scales in Madrid’s favour during crucial moments.

Pinpointing the protagonists

To begin with, the likes of Joselu, Brahim Diaz, Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, and Arda Guler played pivotal roles coming off the bench.

Even Andriy Lunin, who wasn’t the first-choice goalkeeper, stepped up when needed, delivering solid performances.

Joselu, in particular, was a reliable and potent option off the bench. His impact was felt across different competitions. For instance, he played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 4-2 comeback win against Napoli in the Champions League.

In the Super Cup against Atletico Madrid, he again made a difference, helping turn a difficult game around. Perhaps his most memorable contribution was in the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich, where his double secured Madrid’s place in the final.

Brahim also deserves a special mention for his consistent contributions as a substitute. Together with Joselu, these two players embodied the effectiveness and potential of Real Madrid’s bench.

Then there’s Luka Modric, who continues to play a vital role for the team. His influence may have diminished slightly in terms of playing time, but his impact remains undeniable.

Modric’s experience and ability to change the course of a game were evident when he came off the bench to score the winning goal in a tightly contested league match against Sevilla.

Similarly, Aurelien Tchouameni came off the bench to score a crucial goal in a comeback win against Las Palmas, further underlining the importance of having a strong bench.

The takeaway is simple

The takeaway here is clear: efficient squad management was key to Real Madrid’s success last season, and it will be even more crucial this time around.

The 2024/25 season will be a damaging one, with Real Madrid competing on six fronts. Ancelotti must recognize the value of his bench players and trust them to deliver when called upon.

By rotating effectively and making timely substitutions, he can keep the squad fresh, maintain a high level of performance, and secure the victories needed to compete for trophies.

In conclusion, the draw against Mallorca should serve as a wake-up call for Ancelotti. Real Madrid have the talent and depth to be a dominant force this season, but only if the entire squad is utilised effectively.

Relying on a small group of players is not sustainable in the long run and Ancelotti must look to his bench, not as a backup option, but as an integral part of the team’s strategy.