Real Madrid said goodbye to the league title against Barcelona after losing 4-3 away at Lluis Companys, and Lucas Vázquez was once again one of the players singled out in the Whites’ debacle after starting with a 0-2 victory that seemed to turn the league championship on its head. The Galician full-back was on his way out at the end of the season, and his incomprehensible mistake in the last minute before halftime squandered what little chance Ancelotti’s side had left.
Lucas Vázquez’s season
Lucas Vázquez’s season at Real Madrid began with a secondary role, as a player who had been with the club for ten years and could help his team coming off the bench, providing experience and unity in the dressing room. But his situation took a 180-degree turn after the serious injury suffered by Carvajal in late October. The Galician winger, who had been converted to a full-back in recent years, became a regular starter for the team, but his performance has been well below expectations.
In everyday league matches, Lucas Vázquez was able to play in this position, but as soon as the games became more complicated or he had top players attacking down his wing, he showed that he was no longer capable of performing these tasks. And the problem for the club is that it had few alternatives to replace him; if any, it was Fede Valverde.
Putting Fede Valverde at right back meant losing a central midfielder in Real Madrid’s midfield. Ancelotti was willing to do so, but the problem is that Real Madrid’s constant defensive problems – Militao, Alaba and Rudiger injured – have forced Tchouaméni to play at center back in many games. Other injuries in midfield—Ceballos, Camavinga—made it impossible for the Uruguayan to leave the midfield. This is exactly what happened in Barcelona. The absences forced Ancelotti to go with this risky formation, but it was the only option if he didn’t want to rely on the youth academy—perhaps he should have tried it before, not against Barcelona.
The mistakes that condemn Lucas Vázquez
It has not been the Galician’s season: the mistake he made against Barcelona is the latest of many throughout the year. At times during the season, he has looked nervous, missing easy passes and showing a certain fear of playing the ball. Yesterday, he gifted Barcelona their fourth goal, which sealed the game, squandered Real Madrid’s chances, and confirmed that the club will not renew his contract at the end of the season.
Lucas Vázquez will leave Real Madrid
The signing of Alexander-Arnold and the recovery of Dani Carvajal leave one of the Whites’ captains without a place in the team. Lucas Vázquez’s contract expires on June 30, one day before his 34th birthday. Real Madrid will extend his contract by 20 days so that he can play in the Club World Cup, but after that, it’s game over. The player will have to look for a new destination if he wants to continue playing soccer.
The departure of Lucas Vázquez marks the end of a legend at the club. The Galician footballer has won no less than five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, a feat almost impossible for any player on the planet (except for some at Real Madrid). Lucas Vázquez’s season has not been good, but the club does not want him to leave through the back door. He has been a key player in one of the most important periods in the club’s history, and they hope to give him the send-off he deserves at the Bernabéu.