The tempo of unchecking and Valverde’s surprise, keys for Madrid in the classic

The first classic of the season arrives and it does so with Barça ahead of Madrid. A meeting that presents many doubts and many challenges from the Madrid perspective. These are the tactical keys for Ancelotti’s team:

1.- Pass-uncheck tempo:

Barça is playing with a very high defensive line and is being very effective in it. He has caused numerous offsides throughout the season, but both Osasuna a few weeks ago and Bayern in the Champions League have shown that he is not infallible. This has a high risk. And this is where the opportunity appears for Vinícius, Mbappé and company entering the breakup. Those who may be able to do the most damage are Bellingham (who will enter from behind) and Valverde, whose running power and route are one of his greatest strengths.

2.- The mobility and weight of the Vinícius-Mbappé couple:

The Madrid attacks will need more than the two attackers if they want to make a mistake. And, although they have coexisted in the eleven, they have not yet demonstrated full chemistry and, above all, coordination of movements. They are so unbalancing that they achieve important actions in the games (they accumulate 15 goals and six assists between them in the two competitions), but the exchange of positions that Ancelotti seeks in them is not fluid so far. If Madrid wants to get something positive, it will have to be more accurate and varied in its movements.

3.- Lewandowski’s control:

The start of the season for the Barça striker has been magnificent. He has already accumulated 15 goals between the League and the Champions League and very good feelings about the game. It should be noted that 12 of these 15 goals have reached the first contact. An action impossible for a defender to defend. Lewandowski is playing more focused and leaving the area less, so the duel with Rudiger or Militao will be constant. A three-way duel that will have a lot to do with the resolution of the match. Key from Madrid’s defensive perspective.

4.- Valverde as a double weapon:

One of the best ways to overcome pressure is through interior ducts. Because it is an action of pure physical competition if done well. Above all, if this comes after a recovery in one’s own field. And the way he plays, Valverde is very good at both things. That is one of the explanations why the Uruguayan has always had excellent performances against Barça. We will see what role Carlo Ancelotti entrusts him with tonight (high right midfielder or short support midfielder), but his powerful adventures upward with the ball or his powerful shots can once again be decisive.