La Liga 2022/23: Three tactical miscues Carlo Ancelotti has to address after loss against Mallorca – tactical analysis

Barcelonas eight-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga is owing in large part to Real Mallorcas iron resolve and cunning plan. Mallorca were able to earn three massive points at the Son Moix against the reigning champions.

This season, Mallorca under Javier Aguirre has shocked the leagues top clubs. The Mexican has reignited the teams will to compete with the best despite a rocky season in which theyve lost to clubs from the bottom half of the table.

Under their new coach, Mallorcas most notable results were victories against Atletico Madrid, Villareal, and Valencia. Despite Mallorcas best efforts, the league leaders still managed to defeat them by a single goal.

The Spanish National Nacho Fernández scored an own goal as Madrid lost 1-0 on the road at Mallorca. Los Blancos havent lost a game in which they didnt score since May 2022.

Ballon dOr winner Karim Benzema and star defender Éder Militão both had to sit out with injuries that ultimately proved to be too serious for them to play through.

In this tactical analysis, well take a look at the tactical screw-ups that gave Carlo Ancelotti so much difficulty during the La Liga run. This analysis will also look into the tactics used by the two respective managers.

Lineups

Ancelotti used a classic 4-3-3 formation despite being without starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was injured just before kickoff. The second-choice Andriy Lunin started in the goal. Former Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger combined with Nacho Fernandez at centre defence, while Dani Carvajal and French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga manned the sides.

In the centre of the field, Aurélien Tchouaméni, the teams lone pivot, teamed up with Dani Ceballos and Federico Valverde. Due to the absence of their regular striker, Rodrygo started in the middle, with Marco Asensio and Vinícius Júnior on the wings.

Aguirre reverted to his usual 5-4-1 formation, which has been employed in over 48% of the games this year. Aguirres considerations have been grounded on this structure. Predrag Rajković began off in goal.

In the starting lineup, Pablo Maffeo and Jaume Costa were on the right and left, while Antonio Raíllo, Giovanni González, and Matija Nastasić were the three central defenders. Iñigo Ruiz and Iddrisu Baba of Ghana began in the middle of the field, with Kang-In Lee and Dani Rodríguez on the wings. Vedat Muriqi was the lone striker upfront.

Inability to nullify game runners