Copa del Rey 2018/19: Real Madrid vs Girona

With their La Liga campaign having gone off the rails, the Copa del Rey has rapidly gained importance for Real Madrid. With Santiago Solari’s team selection it was clear that the coach was not prepared to take any risks in what could become his side’s best shot at silverware this season.

It got off to a nightmare start though as Anthony Lozano opened the scoring early on, only for Lucas Vazquez to equalise before a Sergio Ramos Panenka penalty to give Los Blancos the lead before half-time. Alex Granell scored a penalty of his own in the second half but Ramos was again on the scoresheet with a powerful header and Karim Benzema put the icing on the cake late on.

Here, our tactical analysis will use statistics to identify what key points Real Madrid can take from the game as they secured a first leg win in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey against Girona.

Vinicius Superstar

Having really made a statement in the previous round against Leganes, Vinicius Junior was back to lead the way against Girona. It only takes a look at his statistics to show how he ran riot: 15 touches in the box, 10 successful dribbles, 10 progressive runs, and four completed crosses. They were by far his best statistics from a single game since becoming a first team regular under Solari, even better than his return against third division UD Melilla.

With every passing game, he becomes more dominant and pivotal in attack. Whilst he has struggled when deployed centrally, his cuts inside allow Karim Benzema and Lucas Vazquez to drop deeper and give him the chance to lead the line. He is thriving in this role, though he is still missing the final ingredient of adding a cutting edge to his game to become the goalscorer that Solari is crying out for.

Not since Cristiano Ronaldo’s peak has one player been so central in every transition to attack for Real Madrid. Maintaining this form and consistency could have a huge sway on the club’s transfer activity in the summer. If he can win penalties and provide assists like this regularly, it will go a long way to sealing his role as a star at the club for years to come.

Desire and pressing not seen this season

Whether it comes from tactical instruction or growing confidence and morale, Real Madrid looked a different side in the closing stages. Even at 4-2, the front three pressed high and closed down all over the park. It was some contrast to the disinterested performances of only a few weeks ago, when such pressing was missing even early on in games having fallen behind.