Jazztel futbol: my point of view

My first tactical analysis of the game played in Madrid. Real Madrid defeated Girona 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu in a match where strategy and tactical performance were key to the final result.

How Did Ancelotti Approach the Game?

Carlo Ancelotti is a coach from Italy who has been trained Real Madrid from many years ago, since he left AC Milan from Serie A. The white team started with a 4-3-3 formation, featuring a midfield that combined experience with physical presence. Ancelotti opted for quick ball circulation and intense pressing to prevent Girona from building up play from the back. From the first minute, Madrid sought to exploit the flanks with Vinícius and Rodrygo, supported by the full-backs pushing forward. Modric, in a more playmaking role, dictated the tempo with his precise passing, while Tchouaméni focused on recovering possession and maintaining midfield balance. With Alaba back in defense, the backline showed solidity and prevented Girona from creating any real threats.

Girona’s Game Plan Under Míchel: Defensive Block and Frustrated Counterattacks

Míchel’s team attempted to reinforce their defense with a five-man backline, aiming to minimize space for Madrid’s attackers. However, as we saw in Jazztel Fútbol, Madrid’s relentless pressing made it difficult for Girona to build out from the back, forcing them into long passes that rarely found their target. Although their strategy was to hold their ground and break quickly on the counterattack, their deep defensive positioning and lack of accuracy in transition prevented them from generating real scoring chances. They barely troubled Madrid’s defense, which comfortably controlled the match.

Key moments of the game

Madrid dominated throughout the match and created several clear chances. The first goal came in the 41st minute with a stunning long-range strike from Luka Modric, a moment of pure quality that broke the deadlock.

In the second half, Girona tried to push forward in search of an equalizer but struggled to break through Madrid’s solid defense. In the 83rd minute, Real Madrid sealed the victory with a counterattack: Kylian Mbappé assisted Vinícius Júnior, who finished clinically to put the game beyond reach.

Real Madrid title ambitions

Real Madrid controlled the game with authority, proving that their combination of talent and strategy remains highly effective. Their high pressing, Modric’s ability to dictate play, and their blistering attacking speed were the keys to victory. Girona, despite their defensive efforts, couldn’t withstand Madrid’s intensity and paid the price for their lack of offensive solutions. With this win, Ancelotti’s team remains in the title race, strengthening their position in one of the most competitive seasons in recent years.

This victory sends a clear message: "Whoever wants to win La Liga must go through us." Madrid displayed maturity, efficiency, and firepower—three qualities that define champions.

Meanwhile, Girona continues to be one of the revelations of the season, but this match showed that there’s still a gap between them and the top teams. The title race remains open, but with performances like this, Madrid continues to demonstrate that when they shift into high gear, few can keep up.

Tactical evolution from 2023 to today

The Real Madrid of 2023 was a team in transition, adapting to the departure of Benzema and the arrival of young talents like Bellingham. Back then, Ancelotti experimented with a hybrid formation between a 4-3-3 and a diamond-shaped 4-4-2, with Jude as the offensive engine. Over the seasons, the team has embraced a more direct style, especially after Mbappé’s arrival in 2024.

Today, Madrid is more versatile than ever: maintaining defensive solidity while attacking with devastating firepower. It is a chameleon-like team, capable of adapting to any opponent.