The Real Champs
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Tactical analysis from Real Madrid’s win over Bayern Munich

By David Ezeobinwa

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Zinedine Zidane, Manager of Real Madrid talks to players during the Real Madrid training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi final against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on April 24, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Zinedine Zidane, Manager of Real Madrid talks to players during the Real Madrid training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi final against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena on April 24, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid battled a tough Bayern Munich side in the first-leg of the semifinals. They were able to leave relatively unharmed with a 2-1 win. Let’s analyze what tactics helped manager Zinedine Zidane and the squad get through the match.

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 25: Head coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Bayern Muenchen and Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena on April 25, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 25: Head coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Bayern Muenchen and Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena on April 25, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

The formation

Zidane, to the surprise of many, chose to start with a 4-3-3. Real Madrid’s formation dropped both Benzema and Gareth Bale while replacing them with Isco, Lucas Vazquez, and Ronaldo as the trio. This was then followed by the classic midfield trio of Casemiro, Modric, and Kroos, and the typical back line and keeper.

The 4-3-3 was very interesting due to such an unusual front line. Ronaldo is used to playing with Benzema or Bale up top. Additionally, he is not usually placed in the striker/center-forward position. He drifts there but typically stays on the wings before cutting in.

Zidane chose the 4-3-3 because it was going to allow for a stronger attack against Bayern. There was no need for the team to play possession football or sit back. Zidane wanted a full-on attack.

With Vazquez’s work rate used to press, Ronaldo’s finishing ability, Kroos, and Modric hitting passes all over the field, and the fullbacks attacking ability; it was the perfect formula to get as many goals as possible.

Though later in the match, we saw the team transition over to a 4-4-2. This happened when Asensio was subbed on for Isco and Benzema for Carvajal. These were key decisions that influenced the match.

Switching to this formation allowed Real to score the 2nd goal to seal off the match and keep Bayern from capitalizing multiple times.

Switching to this formation allowed for a better stronghold in defense. During the first half, the team was being overloaded on the wings, especially on the left with Ribery doing his damage. With Asensio and Vazquez helping to cover those areas, Madrid looked much stronger defending and going forward.

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