Real Madrid Starting XI: RB Salzburg

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Real Madrid Starting XI vs. RB Salzburg: A Tactical Deep Dive

Hey football fans! So, Real Madrid took on RB Salzburg in a recent Champions League clash, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride. I'm gonna break down my thoughts on Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI and how it played out. This ain't just some dry tactical analysis; it's the stuff I'd chat about with my mates down the pub.

Ancelotti's Choices: A Starting XI Under Scrutiny

Ancelotti, that wily old fox, opted for a pretty standard 4-3-3 formation. Now, I've always been a fan of his tactical flexibility, but this time, it felt… predictable? Maybe I'm being harsh. He's got a squad packed with talent, so picking the right eleven is always a headache, right?

The usual suspects were there: Courtois in goal, of course – a brick wall between the sticks. The defense? Pretty solid, Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, and Mendy. Mendy, in particular, had a tough game, but the defense as a whole held pretty well under pressure. I wasn't expecting them to be as solid as they were, which was great.

Midfield? This is where things get interesting. Modric, Kroos, and Valverde. Classic Real Madrid midfield trio. These guys are legends. They're the brains of the operation, controlling the tempo, dictating play... you know the drill. But, sometimes, I feel like they can get a little too cute at times – trying for the fancy pass instead of the simple one. I wouldn't change them for the world, but that's something to consider.

Up front? Benzema, of course, leading the line. The man’s a magician. Next to him, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo. The pace and skill of these two were always a threat, causing chaos in Salzburg's defense. The quick passes and one-twos they displayed were amazing.

Where Real Madrid Excelled (and Where They Stumbled)

The good: The midfield’s experience showed. Modric and Kroos, especially, demonstrated their tactical mastery, expertly controlling possession. The team's passing accuracy was impressive throughout the game. We dominated possession. There were long periods where we had the ball and didn't allow Salzburg much to do.

The not-so-good: While the defense held firm, there were moments of vulnerability. A few more incisive attacks from Salzburg could've easily led to goals. The team seemed a little sluggish at times. A few more shots on target would have been nice, too. The finishing wasn’t clinical. There were multiple chances that were missed due to poor finishes and good saves from Salzburg's keeper.

I also think that there were a lot of moments where our team could have done more in transition, especially when winning the ball back in midfield.

Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

This game wasn't a total walk in the park. Salzburg pushed Real hard. They were quick on the counter, and their pressing was relentless. It's a harsh reality check for Real that they can't take any team for granted, even in the group stages. Ancelotti probably realized that he can't always rely on his veterans to do all the work. It's important to let the younger players get more experience and make them feel that they have a place in the team.

Honestly, I think Ancelotti needs to consider injecting more youthful energy into the starting XI in future games. There are some truly talented players on the bench, some who could bring a different dynamic to the team. The Champions League is a brutal competition, and relying solely on the experience of the older players could lead to problems down the line.

There you have it. My thoughts on Real Madrid's starting XI against RB Salzburg. Like I always say, football's a crazy game. Full of surprises, and even the best teams have off days. But one thing's for sure: Real Madrid will always give it their all. And that’s something you've got to respect. Let me know what you thought of the game in the comments!