Reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid appear to be going from strength to strength in recent years – collecting trophies for fun, players finding magnificent form, and the signing of exciting young prospects: it is certainly a fun time to be a Los Blancos fan. Celta Vigo fans can also be relatively happy with the progress made by their club. Since their return to Spain’s top flight in 2012, they’ve managed several top-half finishes, seeing some impressive players don their colours along the way.
The hosts drew their opening game – an exciting 2-2 tie at home to Espanyol, while the Spanish champions picked up a 2-1 victory away at Almería – they also picked up the UEFA European Super Cup in the same week. The Galacticos continued their impressive start to the new campaign with a 4-1 win away at Celta Vigo.
This tactical analysis will provide an insight into how Carlo Ancelottis side dominated their opponents despite many of the common statistics suggesting the game was equal. There will be an analysis of Madrid’s attacking approach, their tactics off the ball, as well as a look at the performance of Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was tasked with taking Casemiro’s role following the Brazilian’s move to Manchester United.
Lineups
Hosts Celta Vigo lined up in a 4-1-3-2 with a narrow shape to try and stifle any momentum Madrid had. Veteran Agustin Marchesín started between the sticks with a back four of Hugo Mallo, Joseph Aidoo, Unai Núñez, and Javi Galán. In front of them, defensive protection in the midfield unit was provided by Renato Tapia – Fran Beltrán operated ahead of him, alongside Óscar Rodríguez and Franco Cervi. Iago Aspas and Gonçalo Paciência led the line.
Carlo Ancelotti sent his side out in a 4-3-3 formation – Thibaut Courtois kept his place in goal. A back four of Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Daniel Carvajal put in a solid display, thanks to Aurélien Tchouaméni adding defensive structure in midfield. Luka Modrić partnered Eduardo Camavinga further ahead, with a front three of Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde, and Karim Benzema.
