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An insight into the tactics of Xavi and Ancelotti
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, the following topics take center stage:
⚽ Barcelona 1 vs Real Madrid 2 - Game Analysis
➡️ Survey
⚽ Barcelona 1 vs. Real Madrid 2 - Match Analysis
This past Saturday, the 254th El Clásico was held at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona. In this issue, we aim to thoroughly examine this prestigious duel and delve deeper into the considerations of both coaches.
The starting formations of both teams:
As evident, Barcelona opted for a 4-3-3 formation, while Real Madrid went with a 4-3-1-2 setup. However, we are aware that the initial lineup often provides limited insights into the actual playing style of the teams. Therefore, we will now pay closer attention to the focal points the coaches emphasize during possession and defense to gain a deeper understanding of their game philosophy.
Barcelona in Possession:
When Barcelona had possession of the ball, they played in a formation that could be interpreted as either a 3-2-5 or a 3-2-2-3. In this setup, Christensen remained in the central position, while Araujo positioned himself on the right, and Martinez on the left. Balde advanced further and acted as a winger, while Joao Felix moved into the center, occupying the half-space. On the other side, Cancello took up the wing position, and Fermin, like Felix on his side, drifted into the center. This formation created a so-called "Box-Midfield," a strategy employed by many teams. Its purpose was to establish numerical superiority in the midfield while maintaining defensive coverage with at least five players.
However, with Ferran Torres up front, who isn't a traditional striker, the positions were fluid. The players frequently interchanged their positions, always ensuring that the necessary spaces were occupied.
Real Madrid in Possession:
Real Madrid employed various formations in their build-up play. However, it was evident that they often attempted to build up in a 2-3-5 system. Carvajal and Mendy took on the wing positions, while Valverde moved into the center to occupy the half-space and establish a box midfield. Bellingham, who demonstrated great flexibility in his positioning, played a crucial role. He had the ability to drop deep and contribute to midfield play or make forward runs to support the attack.
Due to Barcelona's dominance in the midfield during the first half, Kroos (and occasionally Tchouameni) withdrew to the wider positions, pushing the full-backs higher up the field. This tactical adjustment was aimed at escaping the pressure and orchestrating the game from the flanks. Real Madrid is also known for causing organized chaos in the attack.
Ancelotti's decision to start with Rodrygo instead of Joselu was intended to bring more agility and movement to the game, with players constantly changing positions.
Defensive Tactics: Xavi's Strategic Measures Against Real Madrid
What were Xavi's considerations before the game? It was quite certain that Vinicius would start and operate on the wing and occasionally in the center. Therefore, Xavi deliberately made the decision to deploy Araujo on the wing. Araujo is known for his physical presence and speed, which made sense to play him in that role, even though he usually functions as a center-back. Gavi, renowned for his fighting spirit, was tasked with marking the in-form Bellingham. He practically shadowed him in every action, leaving no room to maneuver.
If Real Madrid managed to penetrate into the second zone, Barcelona shifted to a 4-4-2 formation. Fermin Lopez moved forward and defended in tandem with Ferran Torres.
However, if Mendy or Carvajal pushed forward, Barcelona would adjust their formation and defend in systems such as 5-4-1 or 5-3-2.
Defensive Tactics: Ancelotti’s Strategic Measures Against Barcelona
Carlo Ancelotti emphasized a strong defensive foundation and aimed to launch attacks from there. As a result, the team appeared somewhat passive from a tactical perspective in the first half, often defending deep. Real Madrid utilized formations like 5-3-2 or 5-4-1. Given Joao Felix's prowess in the half-spaces, Carvajal was tasked with marking him continuously. This required Valverde to drop back to support, ensuring that Balde wouldn't be left isolated, as Balde is also known for his pace. Placing another swift player like Valverde against Balde made sense.
Toni Kroos also assumed a rather defensive role in midfield, positioning himself just in front of the back five to close down the spaces, as Barcelona tends to attack through the center.
The first half:
Gündogan scored a somewhat lucky goal in the 6th minute of the game with an action through the center. Due to Real Madrid's back five and Toni Kroos' deep defensive position, Barcelona was able to dominate the midfield. Barcelona built up with 5 players, while Real Madrid attacked with only 4, consistently putting Real Madrid at a numerical disadvantage. This allowed Barcelona to effectively circulate the ball but without becoming particularly threatening in the attacking third.
The Second Half:
Ancelotti's instructions might have been to stay calm, avoid panicking, and maintain disciplined defending. Therefore, they began the second half with a controlled and defensive approach.
In the 52nd minute, Ferland Mendy had to be substituted due to a muscle injury, and Camavinga came on to replace him. Real Madrid now had an additional player who was strong on the ball and could support the midfield. Around the 60th minute, the game slowly started to change as Real Madrid became more aggressive, sought greater depth, and attacked with determination.
In the 63rd minute, Modric was substituted for Kroos, adding more creativity and offensive prowess to the team. Joselu replaced Rodrygo, bringing in a classic striker with physical presence, which also enabled more crossing opportunities. These changes gave Real Madrid momentum and pushed Barcelona onto the defensive. Barcelona lost control in the midfield, and Real Madrid became increasingly dangerous.
In the 68th minute, Bellingham converted a brilliant long-range shot, turning the tide into a goal. Real dominated the game in the following minutes, prompting Xavi to replace the young Fermin Lopez with Romeu in the 72nd minute. Romeu was brought in for his physical strength to win more duels. Gavi, on the other hand, took up a more offensive position to apply additional pressure. This adjustment was intended to make Xavi's team hold a higher defensive line and concede less space in the midfield to Real Madrid.
In the 76th and 77th minutes, Yamal and Raphina were substituted for Cancelo and Felix. Given Real Madrid's high attacking pressure, Xavi aimed to counter this with two quick and agile players, hoping for swift counterattacks or greater control of the game, as Real might adapt to a deeper defensive line.
Indeed, about 10 minutes before the end of the game, a counterattack led to a successful finish by Lewandowski, who had been substituted for Torres earlier. Afterward, Real Madrid also became more cautious, and Barcelona managed to regain some control of the game. The final minutes were marked by transition moments as both teams were likely a bit fatigued and simultaneously sought a victory. It was during this time that Bellingham scored the 2-1 goal in the 92nd minute by capitalizing on a rebound from a cross that came to him through a fortuitous deflection off Modric.
Conclusion
It is always fascinating to observe what aspects coaches analyze before a game and how they intend to implement their plans. However, the outcome of a football match depends on numerous factors over which a coach has no direct control. Therefore, I believe it is equally important not only to prepare as best as possible before the game but also to analyze the situation during the game and make the right decisions. In my view, this is what distinguishes a top-class coach.
In the case of Ancelotti, it can be concluded in hindsight that he made the right substitutions at the right time, and the final result ultimately vindicated his choices. I believe he made these decisions based on his experience and intuitive sense. However, there was a risk that Barcelona could have scored the second goal, and in retrospect, his decisions to bring in Modric and Camavinga so late might have been criticized. This complexity is what makes the role of a coach so intriguing and demanding, as it involves making numerous decisions that require the right momentum.
Clásico-Record
➡️Survey
I'm wondering how many coaches in amateur football actually attempt to analyze the opponent, considering they often don't have the same resources as professionals. So, the question for you is:
Do you analyze the opponent before the game?
Yes
No
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