The Real Champs
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Three Takeaways from Real Madrid’s 7-1 Win vs. Deportivo

By Kristofer McCormack

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 21: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 21, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 21: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 21, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /
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MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 21: Nacho Fernandez (3rdR) of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their seventh goal with teammates Raphael Varane (2ndL), Mateo Kovacic (L), Lucas Vazquez (2ndR) and Marcelo (R) during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 21, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 21: Nacho Fernandez (3rdR) of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their seventh goal with teammates Raphael Varane (2ndL), Mateo Kovacic (L), Lucas Vazquez (2ndR) and Marcelo (R) during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 21, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /

Changes Make all the Difference

Last week, it seemed like Zidane was ready to persist with his hated diamond tactic until the bitter end; then the BBC came along. Since this is the first game in nearly a year that Los Blancos have had their attacking trident fully fit, we will have to wait and see if Zidane persists. However, the Frenchman has made a statement to the squad with his selection for this game. Zizou finally made change, switching to the old familiar 4-3-3.

Modric and Casemiro enjoyed this new system the most. Luka was allowed to roam further up the pitch and at times he was playing alongside the striker to make a four man attacking trident. Modric’s new freedom meant that Casemiro returned to his old anchor role and he flourished, breaking up a number of threatening Deportivo attacks.

One of the biggest criticisms of the diamond was Madrid’s dependency on the flanks and particularly the number of crosses Madrid have every game. Today, Madrid accumulated 35 crosses, the difference today was that Zidane actually played a system that promotes this type of wide play.

It is still quite early with this formation and we can’t make any sure judgments yet, but, Madrid are clearly more effective playing Zidane’s style of football (i.e crossing and wide play) outside of the diamond formation.

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