Real Madrid secured a dominant victory against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu on , a crucial tune-up before their upcoming Champions League clash with Benfica and José Mourinho. The win, achieved with a convincing scoreline, is largely attributed to a tactical shift implemented by coach Álvaro Arbeloa – a return to a 4-4-2 formation, abandoning the previously favored 4-3-3 system.
“Defensively, this structure helps us, not just us, but many teams,” Arbeloa explained after the match. “It helps us stay more compact and, with the types of players we have, allows us to launch counterattacks with the two forwards. This week it has served us well to work, especially defensively, but beyond the system, the important thing is the camaraderie and effort of everyone, and we are doing it well.”
The coach highlighted his team’s improved performance, drawing parallels to their recent match against Valencia. “In the first half, we saw a team more relaxed on the opponent’s field and capable of turning the ball around faster,” he noted. He also acknowledged the impact of Real Sociedad’s recent participation in the Copa del Rey, suggesting it may have contributed to their performance. “This was a game where Real Sociedad perhaps played our role, having played in the Cup during the week, and we had a clean week of work; and that was noticeable from the beginning.”
Despite the victory, Arbeloa cautioned against complacency in the LaLiga title race, where Real Madrid currently hold a provisional lead. “What we have is going to be very long, each matchday has three important points. It will be a very long battle, and there will be ups and downs. The important thing is our improvement as a team.”
Arbeloa was particularly effusive in his praise of Vinícius, who scored twice and delivered a standout performance. “I’ve been seeing a great Vinícius for a month now. Since I arrived, he’s been playing at a very high level, being decisive. For me, he is a player who goes beyond the numbers, it’s about how he conditions matches by attracting rivals. He is one of the best players in the world, a fantastic kid, a great teammate and a great player. It’s a luck to have him with me.”
The coach also provided an update on Kylian Mbappé, who missed the match due to minor injuries. “Mbappé is doing very well,” Arbeloa stated. “He has been dealing with these small discomforts for quite some time and is making efforts to get on the field, so we didn’t want to take any risks ahead of Tuesday’s match.”
Looking ahead to the Champions League fixture against Benfica – a team that previously defeated Real Madrid (4-2) – Arbeloa expressed hope for a different outcome. “I hope history doesn’t repeat itself. We are prepared for the difficulty of the match, for what awaits us on Tuesday with the level of the opponent and the atmosphere. We have to go there to get a good result.”
The shift to a 4-4-2 formation represents a notable tactical adjustment for Real Madrid, echoing a system that proved successful during their previous Champions League triumph. According to web search results, Carlo Ancelotti previously deployed a 4-4-2 without Kylian Mbappé, reverting to a formation that underpinned their Champions League success last season. Ancelotti himself has indicated a preference for the 4-4-2 diamond formation, and reports suggest he intends to utilize it in upcoming matches, including those against Barcelona.
The 4-4-2 formation, as detailed in a tactical analysis, is a classic setup known for its defensive solidity and ability to launch quick counterattacks. Its strengths lie in its compactness and ability to deny space in central areas, while its weaknesses can include potential isolation of the forward line if not supported effectively. The success of this formation hinges on the interplay between the midfield and attack, and the ability of the full-backs to provide width.
The decision to revert to this formation comes at a critical juncture for Real Madrid, as they navigate both domestic and European competitions. The team’s performance against Benfica will be a key indicator of whether this tactical shift can deliver the desired results and propel them towards further success. The upcoming match will also be a test of Real Madrid’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, particularly given Benfica’s recent victory against them.
The broader implications of this tactical change extend beyond the immediate matches. It signals a willingness from the coaching staff to prioritize defensive stability and tactical flexibility, potentially influencing their approach to future games. The success of the 4-4-2 could also impact player selection and development, as certain players may be better suited to this system than others.
