Real Madrid kicked off their 2023/24 Champions League campaign with a hard fought 1-0 win vs debutants Union Berlin.

But, the score is not a real reflection of what happened on the pitch.

‼️ Real Madrid tonight:

• 75% possession
• 32 shots
• 3.38 xG
• 16 corners

Pure domination. pic.twitter.com/mpJs3uD8mE

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 20, 2023

These stats above clearly show a dominant Real Madrid, and the result shows a team that doesn’t take full advantage of the domination they have.

Real Madrid hit the post twice tonight, with Joselu and Rodrygo – and faced a Frederik Ronnow of Union Berlin who had the game of his life. But still, out of 32 shots and 3.38 xG – scoring only once is worrying.

When Real Madrid closed the 2023 summer transfer window without a big striker signing, this was pretty much expected, but Jude Bellingham’s amazing scoring run and Joselu’s great fitting into the team helped a bit.

Ancelotti’s team is able to create a lot of chances, especially since the new 4-4-2 formation has been implemented, but in most occasions they are unable to finish those chances.

Real Madrid have managed to scored 11 goals in 6 matches this season, less than 2 goals per match and this perfectly shows how much the team is struggling in the final third.

With the new formation, the midfield is more open to operate and the involvement of both fullbacks in attack, gives a lot of options for Real Madrid to create different kind of chances – crosses, passes through the middle, long distance shots and much more.

It is still early to tell, but Real Madrid definitely need to work on the final third, and get the better of the chances they’re creating.

With Vinicius Jr. and Arda Guler back next week, Real Madrid will have more attacking power and hopefully better finishing.

The positive is this team creates, and it creates a lot. Real Madrid manages to dominate every team in midfield and this results to a very dominant performance against everyone.

Next, Real Madrid will face the toughest test of the season yet – Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.