Ajax Amsterdam were in need of a win by at least two goals against current champions Real Madrid to make it into the Champions League quarter finals after their 2-1 defeat in the first leg game at home. To the surprise of many, Ajax were capable of putting this into action by beating Real 4-1 in the Bernabéu.
Erik ten Hags side utilised a high pressure style of football to overcome Real in an action-packed match. The interesting role of Donny van de Beek was another vital aspect of the concept of Ajax which will be depicted in the following tactical analysis.
Lineups
Ajax opted to defend in a 4-2-3-1 formation. While Frankie de Jong and Lasse Schöne formed a double pivot in central midfield, Van de Beek played in a more advanced role as the central attacking midfielder.
Striker Dusan Tadic and wingers Hakim Ziyech as well as David Neres were supposed to threaten Real Madrids goal. Last but not least, Erik ten Hag set up a line of four at the back to defend Reals attacking trio.
Van de Beek: the unremarkable key player
Striker Tadic put in a world class performance. However, the role of Van de Beek was vital for the freedom Tadic enjoyed during the attacking phase. Whenever Tadic dropped into midfield, Van de Beek would take over his position and thus drag away Madrid’s centre-backs.
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