Fixing Real Madrid Tactical Issues: What’s Causing Their Defensive & Offensive Imbalance? – Data Analysis

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, particularly in the transition phases.

This Real Madrid data analysis sets out to assess how effectively Real Madrid balance their defensive and offensive responsibilities, with a particular focus on data-driven insights that capture the evolving demands on players across all positions.

By dissecting key performance metrics—such as defensive actions from attackers and progressive play from defenders—we uncover the tactical patterns that underpin the team’s performance.

The aim is to reveal not only statistical trends but also meaningful conclusions that can guide future tactical refinements for Carlo Ancelottis men.

Relationship between Tackles & Interceptions among Real Madrid Forwards

A closer examination of the defensive contributions of Real Madrid’s attacking trio during the 2025 season reveals some telling differences in how each player engages off the ball—particularly in terms of tackles and interceptions.

While attackers are not traditionally expected to take on significant defensive responsibilities, the demands of modern football, especially within high-pressing systems, increasingly call for greater involvement from the front line in disrupting the opposition’s build-up.

Kylian Mbappé, the club’s marquee signing, registered eight tackles and three interceptions across 2,420 minutes.

This indicates a greater tendency to engage in direct duels rather than position himself to intercept passes.