Carlo Ancelotti

Xabi Alonso faces a tactical conundrum that strikes at the very heart of Real Madrid’s attacking identity: choosing between two world-class Brazilians who both thrive on the same flank. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo have each built their reputations on dynamic, high-impact performances, yet their best football often comes when deployed...

The Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid did not get off to the best of starts, but there were some promising signs in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Al-Hilal.  Of course, we have to sit back and remember this is a Club World Cup,...

The act of receiving the ball to feet has become almost second nature. From grassroots football to the professional elite, this pass-to-feet dynamic has evolved into the base unit of build-up play. In this tactical analysis, we will examine how this stylistic evolution is reshaping attacking behaviour across modern systems....

Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as head coach of the Brazilian national team marks a pivotal moment in the Seleção Canarinho’s modern history. This data analysis report explores how one of Europe’s most decorated coaches might rebuild a side that has lost its identity in recent years. Once synonymous with flair and dominance...

Barcelona faced Real Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, for the 35th fixture of La Liga. The match ended 4-3 for the Blaugrana. This was a roller-coaster of goals, especially during the first half. Barcelona's outstanding attacking performance was countered by Real Madrid’s efforts to equalise, but unfortunately, Kylian Mbappé’s...

Barcelona remains one of only two teams, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, that can win their domestic league, domestic cup, and the UEFA Champions League in 2024/2025. Hansi Flick’s men successfully defeated their arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Final on Saturday, with Jules Koundé securing the victory for Barça late on in...

In today’s tactical era of football, achieving equilibrium between defensive solidity and attacking flair is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for elite clubs like Real Madrid. The 2025 season has offered a complex portrait of a team blessed with individual brilliance yet often struggling to find structural coherence,...

Real Madrid faced a considerable challenge in overturning the three-goal deficit against one of Europe’s most disciplined defensive sides. To stage a remontada against Arsenal, Madrid needed creativity and courage to disrupt Arsenal’s defensive structure. Yet, this was far from reality. Arsenal, content to concede possession, managed the game with...

The play-off round of the new Champions League format has conjured up some mouth-watering ties.  None more so than Real Madrid vs Manchester City.  The last two winners of the competition will have been disappointed that they did not automatically qualify for the Round of 16. This fixture was an...

An important page in the 2024/25 La Liga story has been written, with points shared at the end of the latest Madrid Derby in Los Blancos’ Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.  This was the Spanish top-flight’s second Madrid Derby of the season and the second to end with the score tied at...

It's a new era of the Galácticos for Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham making up their attack, and the coach with the most UEFA Champions League titles ever, Carlo Ancelotti, guiding them. Real Madrid had a rough start to the season offensively, with many...

In the build-up to the Super Cup El Clásico, Barcelona’s resounding 4-0 over Real Madrid in October was on everyone's mind. Was that match a fluke? Would Barcelona’s poor run of form to end 2024 hurt them? How would Real Madrid's long list of injuries impact them in this match?...

Since Dani Carvajal's injury against Villarreal, Real Madrid has struggled with their squad and tactics. Combined with David Alaba's injury, Carajal is yet another crucial defensive line player who is injured. Although Madrid signed Kylian Mbappé and Endrick last summer, Carlo Ancelotti’s main problems relate to his build-up and defensive...

The 2024 Ballon d’Or has kicked up quite the debate after Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri pipped Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior to the prestigious award. It seems that Vinícius Júnior has quite the following, and his fans, along with various pundits – not to mention Real Madrid themselves,...

Since Dani Carvajal's injury against Villarreal, Real Madrid has struggled with their squad and tactics. Combined with David Alaba's injury, Carajal is yet another crucial defensive line player who is injured. Although they signed Kylian Mbappé and Endrick last summer, Carlo Ancelotti’s main problems relate to his build-up and defensive...

After 11 games of the 2024/25 La Liga season, FC Barcelona sit top of the table, six points clear of second-place defending champions Real Madrid. It’s been a highly impressive start to life in the Barca dugout for ex-FC Bayern and Germany manager Hansi Flick, whose win percentage now stands...

On Matchday three of this season’s new-look UEFA Champions League, the Santiago Bernabéu hosted a tantalising rematch of last year’s finale, with Real Madrid taking on Borussia Dortmund. For a team so formidable on the European stage, Carlo Ancelotti’s superstars have emerged out of the blocks with relative caution, having...

Despite the 2024/25 La Liga season still being in its infancy after only eight matches, a potential dark horse has begun to emerge amongst those teams chasing European qualification. RCD Mallorca has started the season tremendously, having finished 15th in the league and suffered an agonising penalty shootout defeat in...

Real Madrid have been no strangers to periods of transition over the past few years, with manager Carlo Ancelotti tactics reflecting on his side’s ability to display multiple footballing identities in order to continue their excellent footballing achievements. This was evident even as recently as the last campaign, with the...

Real Madrid began the new season against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 victory on a joyous night for their fans, marked by Kylian Mbappé scoring his first goal for Real Madrid. That happiness did not last long, as Real Madrid drew in two of their first...