Why was Isco subbed?
Carlo Ancelotti decided to substitute Isco in the 59th-minute for Marco Asensio. This was just when the Spaniard was after a superb first-half showing by the midfielder.
Ancelotti explained his decision when he said post-match: “The starting lineup that starts the game is never going to finish it.
“I want to use the five substitutes because I can put fresher people on."
From the manager's words, he felt Asensio would've injected more pace and drive to Madrid's attack. That didn't happen.
Why Vazquez at right-back?
For the second game running, Ancelotti played Lucas Vazquez at right-back. Against Levante, Madrid paid dearly for that decision.
Levante capitalized on Vazquez error in leaving Jose Campanya unmarked on the right-wing - that led to the host's second goal on the night.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti had Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola on the bench.
Perhaps, Ancelotti felt Vazquez offers more in terms of speed. It's also evident that the gaffer doesn't rate Odriozola and didn't want to rush Carvajal back to action after his injury.
Should Vinicius have started?
Vinicius came on with less than 30 minutes to play and almost scored a hat-trick. He did bag a brace to help Madrid earn at least a point.
Given that he scored in the first game, there was a case for Vini to start this game.
However, Vinicius seems like a more deadly weapon coming off the bench than starting.
He'll get a lot of chances start games this season, but the decision to start him from the bench was a masterstroke from Ancelotti.
What was Ancelotti's tactic against Levante
Ancelotti has proved himself a pragmatic gaffer who's more proactive than reactive.
Against Levante, the Italian set up his team to be attacking from the first blast of the whistle.
Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with two attacking full-backs, a lone striker and two alternating wingers (Bale and Hazard).
Isco was given the freedom to roam the pitch as the No. 10 while Casemiro and Fede Valverde worked centrally in midfield. We saw Fede venture forward and attempt a few shots.
Ancelotti's tactic wasn't conservative. His team will always attack. However, there's a lot of work to be done in Los Blancos' defence.
