Arsenal Vs Real Madrid [2-1] – Mikel Arteta Tactics Out-Of-Possession – Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg 2024/2025 – Tactical Analysis

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 composure and control.

Their disciplined off-the-ball organisation, more than their work in possession, was key to their win.

Arsenal’s ease of shifting between different blocks rendered Madrid’s attacking efforts (though minimal) ineffective, transforming a miserable first leg into a humbling 5-1 loss on aggregate.

Frustrations mounted at the Bernabéu as Carlo Ancelottis Madrid struggled to find solutions.

This analysis examines how Arsenal’s defensive shape, with its fluid transitions between high, mid, and situational low blocks, became impenetrable.

This approach allowed Mikel Artetas Arsenal to control the tempo, neutralise Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior, and dominate the tie with minimal reliance on possession.

Arsenal 4-4-2 Mid-Block  Forcing Real Madrid Into Predictable Zones

From the start, Arsenal’s compact 4-4-2 mid-block, led by Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino, inhibited Real Madrid’s build-up phases.

The mid-block was designed to funnel Madrid’s play into predetermined zones, limiting their ability to create central overloads or exploit spaces between the lines.

Martin Ødegaard & Mikel Merino’s Roles

Martin Ødegaard and Merino were the tactical lynchpins of Arsenal’s mid-block.

Their off-the-ball intelligence and body orientation were important in steering Madrid’s build-up into wide areas while denying central progression.

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