6 changes that have seen Real Madrid improve since Milan and Barcelona defeats

Real Madrid go into Wednesday evening's match against Liverpool looking much better than before the international break. This is despite the loss of key players such as Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez and Aurelien Tchouameni, and most recently an injury to Vinicius Junior. According to the local press, there are several reasons behind the change.

In their last two matches, Los Blancos defeated Osasuna 4-0 at home and Leganes 3-0 away, making their first clean sheet since September. Relevo says Ancelotti and the staff met with the team before the Osasuna match in mid-November and both sides agreed they were not going in the right direction.

The Italian was harsh and sharp in his criticism, and his main point of contention was his attitude. Ahead of their win over Los Rojillo, Ancelotti told the press they were aware of the problem but the conversation would take place on the pitch – and the improvement is evidence of a shift in focus.

Meanwhile, Diario AS says there have been six smaller shifts which has also made them look a lot better.

Although they are now likely to be without the Brazilian for the rest of 2024, Vinicius and Mbappe have understood each other much better in their last two matches. Against Leganes it was Mbappe on the left and Vinicius through the middle, and both got on the scoresheet. Mbappé also threatened more against Osasuna and drifted to the left more often.

Bellingham has been on the scoresheet in both matches and on both occasions his goals could have come straight from last season. The England star broke the deadlock against Osasuna with a run from deep, which was well picked by Raul Asencio, and was quickest on the scene after a loose ball in the penalty area against Leganes. His return to a role where he can attack the box more is paying off.

Asencio has come into the starting line-up without missing a beat, proving himself capable in possession and capable at the back, without being tested too much. Fede Valverde spent more or less the same amount of time off as a right-back, and he has moved to the right flank. However, the defensive concentration is much better overall and the back line hasn't been tested too much due to the better shape in front of them.

One of the players who felt the most guilt directed at him was Aurelien Tchouameni, who anchored Madrid's midfield before his injury. Camavinga has found himself in a position that he sometimes struggled with previously, but was both good in the build-up and well positioned in defense. The Frenchman has stabilized the center of the field.

While it was Andriy Lunin in goal against Osasuna, Courtois' return from injury gives the defense a level of security and confidence that Lunin, for all his virtues, cannot provide. Courtois' presence means no goal comes easy for the opposition, and the Belgian at his best is the best.

Ancelotti has made use of some selection options in both matches and they have given Los Blancos something different. Brahim Diaz played a key role in one of Vinicius' goals against Osasuna and almost scored at Butarque himself. Meanwhile, Arda Guler started against Leganes and looked as threatening as some of their other players. Dani Ceballos and Fran Garcia also looked solid, and as last season showed, a strong bench is essential for a side that plays as many games as Real Madrid.