Real Madrid got off to a fabulous start to their 2023-24 campaign at the weekєɴԀ. Playing at San Mames, the men in white registered a dominant 2-0 win on the night to take all three points on Matchday 1.
One of the key talking points ahead of the clash with the Basque side was the formation Ancelotti would opt for on the night.
The Italian tactician had tried several combinations in the pre-season tour but the 4-4-2 diamond appeared to be his primary choice.
Indeed, the manager opted for the midfield-heavy setup against Athletic Club.
According to ɾєρօɾτs fromMARCA, Ancelotti will stick with the diamond setup and is very happy with the team’s performance in the curtain raiser. He sees the team to be growing in the right direction.
Bellingham the protagonist
Ancelotti’s four-man midfield on the night consisted of Aurelien Tchouameni operating as the sole pivot with Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde deployed as interior midfielders.
The apex position was filled by Jude Bellingham, who was arguably the best player on the field forLos Blancos.
Playing directly behind the two forwards, the new signing was tasked with the role of creator-in-chief. In fact, he evengot on the scoresheetat San Mames.
IfReal Madridare to succeed in their newfound setup, Bellingham will be key. After all, the onus of creating chances and scoring goals regularly bears heavily on his shoulders in the absence of a centre-forward.
Are there any defensive worries?
One of the takeaways fromLos Blancos’pre-season campaign was the relatively loose defensive setup.
The formation change had a direct role to play in the same, for it allowed easier penetration for the opposition down the flanks.
Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois’ injuries make the defensive situation atReal Madridwօɾɾуing, but Ancelotti has shown to be confident in his players’ ability to compensate for the deficit.
“It’s evident that when the team is collectively committed and has the right attitude, we are stronger defensively. The team was well positioned and strong in the duels,”he said after Real Madrid’s winover Athletic Club.
