The first classic of the season arrives. A party that paralyzes the world and that always sets trends. These are the tactical keys from the Real Madrid point of view for this authentic match:
The first of the keys goes through the eleven that the Madrid coach decides to apply. For starters, on the defensive line. After Militao-Rudiger played in Getafe as a pair of central defenders and Alaba on the left, the presence of Mendy for the defense of Barça's wingers is intuited as safe. In such a case, Alaba would return to the center of the defense with Militao, and Mendy would enter on the left.
Beyond this, the question will go through where Madrid will place the line. Because although it is true that it is a very fast rearguard to attenuate the spaces, it is also true that Ancelotti's men feel very comfortable giving up meters and then leaving. Also puzzles from the middle of the field upwards. Kroos-Valverde and Rodrigo will compete for two places in the team.
With Benzema already recovered and in eleven, one of the important points for the white team will be how and under what conditions they manage to activate the left wing. If Madrid has the ability to get out of Barça's pressure and reach Vinícius from the outside, with spaces, and Benzema between the lines, or also open to the left (his favorite corner), it will generate sure scoring chances. And not only that, but you will feel comfortable in the meeting. In fact, 22.7% of Madrid's attacking flow is normally made at the peak of the left area.
Although his ownership is not totally certain, due to the state of form, the Uruguayan's interior presence is very likely. In addition, his powerful rides breaking rival lines are being a new offensive ingredient for Madrid. Something that can be important today to overcome the first line of Barça pressure. And it is not necessary to ignore that Fede Valverde is being a new extra for the white team. With three goals and one assist in these eight games, he is the team's second top scorer in the league.
It will be the first classic for the young midfielder. At the moment he has shown a very good football tone, combining very well associative football with the defensive reading of the position. But today is different because it will be a much more demanding context. A context in which the rival's game will seek to unbalance and damage precisely the sides of his figure. Much of Madrid's game will depend on his positional decisions and his efficiency in short pressure.
One of the duels that will mark the match will take place in the media area. The most global and important player in the white game (Modric) will coexist with Barça's current equalizer (Pedri). Whoever imposes his football will force the other to vary height and lose offensive weight in the match. Whoever of the two influences the ball more will bring his team closer to victory. Two spectacular footballers who will have their particular struggle.
