Real Madrid-Girona Unveiled: Exploring the tactical tapestry of the battle for LaLiga supremacy – tactical preview

Saturday evening’s LaLiga matchup between Real Madrid and Girona is poised to be one of the most highly anticipated matches of the campaign. It marks the meeting of Spain’s two most dominant forces this season, both of which boast impressive free-scoring attacking output with the league’s two most prolific goal scorers, Artem Dovbyk and Jude Bellingham. This contest has the possibility of providing substantial title-altering outcomes for both sides, with first-place Real Madrid taking on second-place Girona. With just a two-point gap separating the two before play, Madrid has the opportunity to take charge and open up a bit of breathing room with a victory — crucially important ahead of their upcoming fixture congestion with the reintroduction of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage.

Real Madrid, whilst sitting nicely at the top of the division, have experienced somewhat of a tumultuous season to this point, heavily impacted by long-term injuries and periods of adjustment and tactical adaptation. The departure of Karim Benzema in the summer window and the subsequent decision not to find a long-term striker replacement has caused young forwards like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to shoulder the majority of the attacking burden. Summer acquisition Jude Bellingham has announced himself on one of the world’s biggest stages, being largely responsible for their success so far, representing a beacon of solidity and someone Carlo Ancelotti can certainly depend upon in crucial moments.

Girona’s meteoric rise under Míchel has been nothing short of a fairytale story which has gripped football fans around the world. Having been likened to the miraculous efforts of title-winning Leicester City in the 2015/16 season, Girona possesses a remarkable core group of somewhat underrated players who have guided them towards the top of the table. Their impressive attacking structure and stout defensive tactics have kept them in the hunt for not only Champions League qualification but also a shot at becoming Spanish champions.

This tactical analysis will begin to delve into the possible lineups and formations that we can anticipate seeing when these two take to battle on Saturday evening. We will highlight certain strategies and avenues for tactical superiority that could provide the cutting edge in such a fiercely contested matchup, with an analysis of their efforts thus far.

Predicted lineups

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side will look to set up in their favoured diamond 4-4-2 formation, something fans of Los Blancos have become accustomed to throughout the 2023/24 season. As of late, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been preferred to Kepa in between the sticks, protected by a back line of Mendy, Nacho, Carvajal and Vazquez. Much of the pre-match discussion has revolved around the status of critical central defender Antonio Rüdiger, with his match fitness in question, having picked up a thigh injury against Getafe and being absent in the Madrid derby last Sunday.

Madrid’s midfield quartet would expected to be comprised of Kroos, Camavinga, Valverde and Bellingham, with Tchouameni returning from suspension to add more talent to Ancelotti’s arsenal alongside the ever-consistent Luka Modric. In their previous fixture, Madrid settled with a strike partnership of Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz, with the latter deputising for Brazilian talent Vinicius Jr after experiencing a neck injury during pre-match warmups. With the injury only being minor, it can be assumed he will be ready to lead the line on Saturday, revitalising their dynamic and electric attacking threat.

For the opposition, Girona’s formation of choice has often been variations of the 4-2-3-1, often translating to 4-1-4-1, especially when needing to provide more defensive solidity. Keeper Paulo Gazzaniga has had a formidable season protecting their goal, with a defensive line of Miguel Gutiérrez, Yan Couto, Eric García and Arnau Martinez. Star player Aleix García will look to orchestrate from the base of midfield, alongside Iván Martin dropping deeper to form a double pivot. We can expect exciting wingers Savio and Tshyankov to be supported by Portu through the middle, all aiming to provide top scorer Dovbyk as he returns from injury to lead the line.