The first classic of the season arrives. An important match for both teams and one that usually sets a trend. These are the tactical keys from Madrid's perspective:
Few doubts in Ancelotti's eleven. Basically in two lines, the middle of the field and the forward. Assuming that, in the engine room, Tchouaméni, Valverde and Bellingham are non-negotiable, we will see in which position the coach decides to place Camavinga. If the Frenchman appears in the middle, Kroos and Modric will remain for the second half. But if, as it seems, Ancelotti wants a player who will dominate the game, he will have to decide between the two. For now, he has always opted for Kroos over Modric for this. Upstairs, the other question is who will accompany Vinícius. Rodrygo gives more mobility and danger in transition. Joselu, more shot and goal. In a type of match in which, on paper, Barça is going to have a little more ball, the former has more options.
With the change in system, both have changed their location on the field but, everything indicates, that they will be face to face again. It is very likely that the Uruguayan will play on the right today, closing the wing and the Brazilian is finding his place in the 4-4-2 used this season. As the weeks have passed, both he and the team have internalized the movements so that he can lean more to his favorite side (the left) and everything seems to flow more naturally. So once again there will be situations of individual duel between the two. And that always ensures a high-voltage encounter. A face to face that, as has become usual in the last two years, will decisively mark the result of the classic. The most unbalanced footballer who will be on the field against the best one-on-one defender.
The Madrid team has an advantage physically. And that translates into various aspects of the game. In duels with the ball, in collisions or in all open field situations. Especially in the cons. If Madrid manages to come out several times in transition with Vinícius, Valverde, Rodrygo and company, it can do damage. And in a hypothetical even match, the passing of the minutes can also favor the greater physical performance of the Madrid team.
There is no doubt that the Englishman is the great protagonist of this start of the season. Eight goals in the League and another three in the Champions League are making him the most decisive player in Madrid and, probably, in this first third of the League.
His numbers are above his historic scorer and the big question now is whether he can maintain this dynamic throughout the season. A priori, he has always been more of a passer than a scorer but it is also true that Ancelotti has created a perfect playing context for him.
Another point with which the Madrid team can profit is through set pieces. With a total of five, Madrid is the team in the League that has scored the most goals in strategy. He scores a goal every two games and in each game he has clear finishing options. And it has great shooters (Kroos and Modric) and many players with great aerial power. Tchouaméni, Rüdiger and Joselu are among the best in the championship in this aspect of the game.
