Five dominant defensive options for sorry Real Madrid

Reigning European champions Real Madrid recently reached their fifth consecutive Champions League quarter-final after narrowly edging past Bundesliga battlers Schalke, but progression was overshadowed by a stunning second leg Bernabeu defeat.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Galacticos, 3/1 with Coral to retain their European crown, suffered a harrowing 4-3 loss at the hands of Roberto Di Matteo’s defiant German side, but progressed through a 5-4 aggregate victory.

Los Blancos boss Ancelotti has come under severe scrutiny for his team’s inability to perform to their usual level of brilliance after winning a 10th European Cup for Los Blancos last term, and was apologetic towards the Bernabeu faithful after a fifth defeat this year.

“All the criticism we get is justified,” said Ancelotti. “We need to look at our defence, that’s where all our errors were. No team has put four past us at home. We had problems in every aspect of the game: offensive; defensive; desire; fight and concentration.

Madrid seem likely to secure the signing of Porto’s Brazil international right back Danilo this summer, but further acquisitions will be necessary to improve on recent poor performances.

Following the Spanish giants’ recent defensive downfall, Coral writers outline five other potential defenders to help end Real’s rut.

Aymeric Laporte
Madrid were leading 2-0 from their first leg clash with Schalke, but quickly threw their progression into jeopardy, conceding four times at home.

France Under-21 international Laporte could be a solid solution to sure up Real’s futile backline, having made 35 impressive appearances for La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao. A potential potent partnership with fellow countryman Raphael Varane is also a mouth-watering prospect at the Bernabeu.

Inigo Martinez
Real Sociedad’s talented centre back has shone throughout this Spanish league campaign under the watchful eye of David Moyes. The 23-year-old, who earned a single senior Spain cap in 2013, is confident on the ball and could bring a sense of calmness and stability to Madrid’s current hurried and hapless defensive unit.