The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League 2021/2022 final saw two of the best teams in the world go up against each other.
In the end, Real Madrid gained the edge in a very tight battle, winning their 14th Champions League title.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti also became the most successful manager in Champions League history, winning it for the fourth time in his career.
The two managers have completely different tactics.
While Liverpool played controlled ‘heavy-metal’ football, Real Madrid played free-flowing football, relying on creativity and talent.
As Ancelotti put it, “football is simple”.
The Italian believes he can help defensively, with organisation and structure.
However, in possession, he believes it is about talent and creativity.
He says he doesn’t want to “obfuscate this creativity, this talent”.
Liverpool created far more chances and dominated the match, but ultimately, it was Real Madrid’s talent and efficiency that gave them the edge. In this tactical analysis, we will examine the tactics employed by both teams throughout the match.
It will also provide an analysis of how Real Madrid gained the tactical edge to win the game over Jurgen Klopps men.
Liverpool Vs Real Madrid Lineups
The lineups were no surprise, with both teams setting up in their usual 4-3-3.
Although the two teams adopted the same structure, their tactics differed significantly.
Additionally, their structures were very flexible, often changing throughout the different phases of the game.
For Liverpool, Alisson was in goal with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson ahead of him.
Having recently recovered from injury, Fabinho played alongside Thiago Alcântara and Jordan Henderson.
In the attack, Sadio Mané was the false-nine flanked by Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah.
Real Madrid had no surprises either.
Thibaut Courtois was in goal behind Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy.
In the midfield, it was their traditional Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modrić trio.
Fede Valverde and Vini Jr. were on the wings with Karim Benzema up top.
Liverpool Press
Liverpool pressed from the start, preventing Real Madrid from maintaining any controlled possession.
Although possession was fairly even, with Liverpool only having 51.37% of it, the match was mostly played in Madrid’s half.
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