Real Madrid will play English heavyweights Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, in a clash that will be not only intense but also physically and tactically tough for both teams.
Both sides have a solid set of flaws to protect and opportunities to capitalize on. The issue remains: how effectively do they do both tasks? They must construct a dual role in which they guard their most vulnerable flaws from being exploited by the other side while also capitalizing on their greatest expertise.
Real Madrid, as has been demonstrated several times this season, have a significant vulnerability when it comes to set pieces. Only this season have Los Blancos surrendered a staggering 10 goals from corners. The figure is not just stunning, but also worrisome. There is a significant gap that they must fill as quickly as possible.
Arsenal are dangerous from set pieces and Real Madrid are prepared
Arsenal's success from set pieces under Mikel Arteta is not new. The London-based squad boasts one of the greatest conversion rates from corners and free kicks this season, and it would be naive to assume that they have not seen Madrid's vulnerability in defending from the position.
Prior to the game, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was questioned about what is wrong with Madrid's set-piece defence and whether they had focused on closing the deficit ahead of the Arsenal encounter. The Belgian explained: "We worked on it yesterday. We know how we should defend against them, although the first thing is to try not to concede too many corners."
Courtois also questioned whether Arsenal's set-piece tactics also affected their goalkeeping approach, to which he said, "Obviously, it's important for a goalkeeper to analyze these things. We do it with the staff , with Llopis, and we'll try to be stronger tomorrow because, obviously, set pieces are very important. And whoever scores like that can win a game more easily, because they can break a deadlock."
According to WhoScored, Mikel Arteta has guided his club to an impressive 11 goals from set pieces this season. This accounts for 20% of Arsenal's total goals scored, demonstrating how strongly the team relies on and excels in set piece conversions.
Real Madrid's difficulty in defending the same may not have gone unnoticed, and based on Courtois' statements, it is likely that they have worked harder, precisely to defend goals from the position.