A Tactical analysis of Real madrid vs Valladolid

A Tactical analysis of Real madrid vs Valladolid

 

Real Madrid is well known for having tactical intricacy (having one of the best coach Carlo ancelotti)and probably containing the highest potential star power in the squad across the world. Recent days saw the team play a very crucial game in which it was able to show the highs, its lows, and what they can bring forward and learn from. The game was against Valadolid and hugely hyped because of the induction of players like Kylian Mbappe, for whose first goal fans were crossing their fingers. The game, though far from perfect, provided a lot of information regarding the current state of the team, the dynamics, and the tactical ideas. This article will now look at the game through a discussion of some key moments and the strategies that Real Madrid employed.

First-Half Struggles

Players and Positions 

Real Madrid came out with a lineup that had the likes of Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Güler, but without Jude Bellingham and Ferland Mendy — the former was out due to an injury and the latter through suspension. Fran García replaced Mendy, and Güler acted as the central attacking midfielder in the place of Bellingham.

Tactical Setup

It did show the overdependence upon its wingers in creating the chances. Real Madrid has historically dominated one flank, switching the play from left to right to create the opportunities, mostly through crosses and cutbacks. However, this was further compounded by the unbalancing position of the players on the pitch, as the likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. often started on the left-wing throughout this season.

Tactical set up of real madrid (looks like 4-2-3-1) 

 

First-Half Performance

Real Madrid's difficulty in changing the game from one side to the other when in control was a feature. There was a lack of Toni Kroos, who is nominated to execute this action in an effective and efficient manner. In changing the point of attack, the structure of the team is left with back four holes, which Valadolid is able to maintain their defensive shape within.

Pressing Structure

However, despite this, the pressing structure of Real Madrid in the first half of the game seemed to be better than the one seen in the previous games. The first pressing line, which included Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo, was much more aggressive and productive. Their pressure made it very hard for Valadolid to organize their attacks since they very often had to use long balls to get rid of the pressure of their first build-up.

Second-Half and better tactics display by madrid 

The second half is better than the first, during which Real Madrid resumed the more direct playing style by capitalizing on spaces opened up in Valadolid's efforts to equalize. Vinicius Jr. and Güler themselves had a fair number of shooting opportunities, and this notable slip-up from Güler right before Vinicius Jr. provided an important assist is one example.

 

Points of Interest

Mbappe's Attempts: Mbappe was always caught between the two defenders, not having reached his full potential in terms of speed and space. He is a space player, and playing in spaces, he could destroy any defense. In the first half, that didn't happen that often.

Rodrygo's Movements: Rodrygo, as a two-footed versatile player, was always there, but involvement in defense which little bit affected the attacking rhythm of Real Madrid. His position in the attack was a better coordination in the attacking phases of the match.

 

Key Players and Their Impact

Güler's Role

Güler, replacing Bellingham, was little bit satisfactory yet, at the same time, he also did mistakes  what his regular starting teammates bring to the table. His attempts to be creative brought significant moments, but their end product was usually blunt. Consistency was what was called for the most, especially considering his missed shots and blocked attempts.

 The Creativity of Vinicius Jr.

 Vinicius Jr. continued to prove his worth as a direct creator, assisting vital passes and being ever-present on the left flank. His ability in tight spaces and the delivery of right crosses is still paramount to Real Madrid.

 Defensive Structure and Challenges

 Real Madrid played with a backline that was not held high compared to that of Valadolid, hence leaving fewer spaces behind their defense for the opposition. This facilitated team compactness, therefore reducing the threat, but on the other hand, it might have reduced their ability to counterattack.

 Need of Specific Players

 It showed that creative players such as Kroos(retired )  were not playing. Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. had to carry a lot of importance in terms of playing vertical, hence sometimes missing the game that the likes of Valverde and Güler could have brought.

Rudiger feeding mbappe rather than Valvarde and Guler 

 Second-Half Performance

An Analysis Improved Coordination In the second half, there was more coordination and pressing from the side of Real Madrid. Players like Valverde, Rodrygo, and Güler got adapted with one another quickly and started attacks which were much more coordinated. Especially visible was the communication between Valva and Güler during the game while searching for optimal position and pass. There is no doubt that these players considerably improved the game from the first half.

 Rodrygo Opportunities Lost: Opportune positions had been lost due to Rodrygo not taking the right decisions and finishing them up properly.

 The Lack of Mbappe: Mbappe was struggling to make those chances into something concrete because he needed to adjust himself to the play as well as the formation of the team.

 

Tactical Change in second half

 Real Madrid tactically showed a whole lot of flexibility in the game, interchanging setups and formations, even with an extra identification of a 4-4-2 in the latter parts of the game. This looked to offer a bit of balance, with selections like Brahim Diaz.

 Key Highlights

 Quite a number of long switches and important defensive interceptions that would really tell in ensuring the continued exaction of pressure from the Real players.

The success in direct play be it quick transitions, pushes made by players like Brahim Diaz  shows how sometimes simplicity is gold.

Directness and Precision

 Their at-times overelaborate play backfired, and they missed chances. A more direct approach was required at times when direct runs and simple passes would have sufficed better.

 Creativity and Execution

 The absence of several key creative players also meant that Real Madrid were unable to easily pass through the defense of Valadolid. The needed creativity and execution, especially in the final third, has very much to be shown there .

Potential Team Changes in upcoming matches

The potential inclusion of players such as Brahim Diaz in the team within a 4-4-2 setup could bring out more balance and creativity within the team. It can bring some balance between the attacking players and allow for the midfield area to be quite secure.

Tactical Transition

Real Madrid's changing style of play symbolizes a team in transition, one which is trying to find the balance between attack and defense. The strategies of moving the game high up, quick transitions, and leveraging of player strengths will be key as the season goes through.

At last we have to say the game against Valadolid really was a mix for Madrid, isn't it?. What it taught is that consistency in success is always preceded by flexibility, innovation, and implementation. With time and development, the integration of key players and refinement of strategies in the team mean upcoming stronger than ever domestic and international dominance. In the race is still Real Madrid, able to overcome challenges and put up performances to prove their might on the field. 

Go to Link