Real Madrid: their strengths – and the weaknesses Chelsea could exploit
Thomas Tuchel’s first three months in charge have been nothing short of stellar, but the next 10 games could write his name in Chelsea folklore.
With an FA Cup final against Leicester sealed with a gritty and efficient win over Manchester City, Real Madrid now lie between the Blues and a third Champions League final.
West London Sport takes a tactical look at the La Liga giants; how they will set up, their style of play, strengths – and how Chelsea could look to overcome them.
The form book
After an inconsistent start to their season, Real have been in superb form since the turn of the year.
Their last loss came against Levante on January 30, almost three months ago.
More recently, they have only won one of their previous four games, failing to score in the three goalless draws against Liverpool, Real Betis and Getafe.
Their Champions League campaign started shakily too, but Los Blancos are a force to reckon with in the knockout stages.
Zinedine Zidane has won three Champions League titles as manager, one of only three managers to achieve this feat – alongside Bob Paisley and Carlo Ancelotti.
Style of play
Although his excellent man-management skills have never been in doubt, Zidane’s tactical acumen does not get nearly as many plaudits as it deserves.
The legendary French midfielder has found a way to use the calm and intelligence which characterised his playing days to his managerial ones, which has led to a side that can adapt to any situation.
This versatility can be seen in Real formations, as Zidane tailors his side to the game’s demands – much like Tuchel.
In the past month alone, Zidane has used a 4-3-3 ( v Liverpool and Betis), 3-4-3 (Cadiz), 4-2-3-1 (Getafe), 3-4-2-1 (Eibar), 4-3-1-2 (Celta Vigo) and 4-1-4-1 (Barcelona).
The 4-1-4-1 and the 4-3-3 are the likeliest to be used, but if Ferland Mendy fails to overcome his injury in time, Zidane may have a dilemma – he could play Nacho at left-back, or go three at the back with Marcelo at left wing-back.
Madrid’s big strength, like Chelsea, is their defence.
Even in the absence of long-time stalwarts Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Eder Militao and Nacho have performed admirably.
Varane is expected to be fit, while Ramos remains doubtful. Dani Carvajal also returns just in time for Madrid and will shore the right side of defence.
In defensive phases, Real have been using a conservative 4-1-4-1, which allows them to stay compact and rely on the strength of their resilient backline and the tenaciousness of the exceptional Casemiro.
They only press aggressively or in the attacking third occasionally, but prefer to invite pressure before using long balls from their centre-backs or the passing ingenuity of Kroos and Modric to find options in attack.
In possession, Kroos and Modric are outstanding at keeping and optimising possession. Both will prove challenging to press, but a midfield consisting of Mount and Kanté will do those chances no harm.
In attack, Benzema will offer a regular option by dropping in pockets of space (sometimes deeper than the halfway line), while Vinícius, Marco Asensio, Rodrygo and former Blues favourite Eden Hazard will prove a direct threat with their pace and dribbling prowess if he plays.
Key threats
Real’s biggest threat will undoubtedly be the magnificent Benzema.
The 33-year-old Frenchman is one of the rare breed of forwards who is as dangerous outside of the penalty box as he is inside of it.
A selfless, tireless worker with a wonderful understanding of using and creating space, Benzema is offered the freedom to roam and stretch opposition defences with his off-the-ball movement.
By dropping into attacking midfield, he either draws out an opposition centre-back or grabs the attention of a midfielder, freeing up Kroos or Modric.
When he drifts to the wings, he often plays quick interchanges with the wingers before moving into the penalty area where his guile and exquisite finishing come into play.
Benzema is also good in the air, and coupled with his ability to stealthily peel away from defenders or arrive unmarked in the box, will certainly cause Chelsea problems.
Dark horses
With two goals and a dazzling display against Liverpool in the first leg, Vinicius could prove a tricky customer, especially against Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Brazilian, however, has drawn a lot of flak for his poor decision-making and erratic final product – something that the Chelsea defence will be keen to exploit.
Weaknesses
While their midfield of Kroos and Modric are world-class on the ball, their lack of pace could be an issue in transitions.
Both midfielders often venture higher up the pitch in possession, and with Mount, Havertz, Pulisic, Werner all possessing pace, Chelsea could look to put Casemiro under intense pressure.
Real are facing an injury crisis, with up to six first-team players in danger of missing out.
Federico Valverde is out after testing positive for Covid-19 and Lucas Vazquez is also out after a cruciate ligament rupture ended his season early.
First choice left-back Mendy is a doubt and the first leg may come too early for Ramos, who is returning from a calf issue. Kroos and Modric should be fit to play, but have been hampered by minor niggles, while Hazard hopes to be involved.
Should Zidane decide to include Marcelo at left wing-back in Mendy’s absence, Chelsea should almost certainly target the left side of Madrid’s defence, especially on the break.
Possible Real Madrid line-up: (4-1-4-1/4-3-3): Courtois, Nacho, Varane, Militão, Mendy, Casemiro, Kroos, Modrić, Vinícius, Benzema, Asensio.
