In less than 20 minutes, Real Madrid scores their fourth goal. It was a dizzying, deep, perpendicular Madrid that made use of the goal-scoring opportunities provided by Valladolid to convert each ᴏꜰꜰᴇɴsɪᴠᴇ move into a score. With three occupations of distinct places (1-4-2-4, 1-4-2-3-1, and 1-2-4-4), it was a different Madrid. A Madrid team with only two midfielders (Tchouameni and Kroos), four strikers (Asensio, Rodrygo, Benzema, and Vinicius), and two full-backs (Lucas and Camavinga) who only defended with the two plants throughout the ᴏꜰꜰᴇɴsɪᴠᴇ phase (Militao-Alaba).
The Onda Cero Radio Stadium’s director, Edu Garca, wants to move ahead. “Ortego, given how well things are going for him, do you believe Ancelotti can use the same starting lineup and tactical set-up on Wednesday at the Camp Nou?”
The response originates from my soul. Immediate. Not inconceivable. We are at the Camp Nou against a Barcelona team that is predicted to play with four midfielders under the direction of skilled, calculating coach Carletto. The Cup semifinal will thus begin with the whites trailing by a goal in the final winds. The match this Sunday at the Bernabéu against a team in decline that moreover ᴡᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ to conduct tests and lost had nothing to do with that hypothetical future scenario. Although he could have scored two or three, he chose to take six instead of nine.
With the exception of any unforeseen circumstances on Wednesday, the great Ancelotti will perform his classics. Modric and Valverde, who did not participate against Valladolid for a minute, will play in his adaptable 1-4-3-3 formation. The pattern is that Rodrygo and Asensio, the two outstanding victors of the Sunday afternoon alongside Benzema, must sit on the sidelines and wait for their chance. In a match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, a goal makes such an imperceptible difference that the teams’ whiteboards will insist that every precaution be taken. The proper tactical extravagances.
But, the game against Valladolid allowed Ancelotti to demonstrate that, in times of greatest necessity, he has two extremely sharp arrows ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Asensio and Rodrygo, as well as Rodrygo, are displaying signs of readiness for such a crucial encounter. They work well either together or apart. With an objective and unbalance. In case of need, two attacking assets of considerable weight. Two ideal companions for a Benzema who rediscovered himself just when his team most needs him.
It shouldn’t be ruled out that Ancelotti might repeat the experiment used against Pucela’s team and use the same four forwards if Wednesday’s game starts off goalless and Real Madrid is under pressure to score goals. Great solutions for enormous demands.
Ancelotti talks Benzema, Hazard, his future following Real Madrid 6-0 Valladolid
At the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid played Real Valladolid in a match that didn’t really matter to los blancos in the league.
Madrid had its sights set on the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals even though Barcelona led the table by 15 points. It’s their greatest chance at domestic success this season despite being behind 0—1.
And with a 6-0 victory tonight, they would have plenty of motivation going forward. Together with Rodrygo, Marco Asensio, and Lucas Vazquez scoring, Karim Benzema was on target three times.
Yet, Carlo Ancelotti took the lead in this victory while tinkering with the lineup. He used a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rodrygo as the #10 defender behind Benzema.
Also, he modified the strategies in the middle and then discussed it.
“We started 4-4-2 with Rodrygo and Benzema, but the central defenders were good at pressing so I saw the possibility of opening Rodrygo on the wing and giving freedom to Asensio and since then everything became easier.”
“At first we struggled a bit and they had chances but once we went 1-0 up everything was easier. The transformations were amazing and Karim was at his best. Everything worked fine,” he added.
Ancelotti, who praised King Karim for his hard work during the fortnight-long international break, should sᴀʏ a few things to the monarch.
“Benzema’s match must be highlighted. This shows that he did a great job during the break.”
As soon as he entered the game, Eden Hazard assisted Lucaz Vazquez to put the team on the board. When he was brought on as a substitute, he was greeted with whistles.
“I heard that, yeah. Eden trained really well this break. He played very little, but he did well and gave an assist. By training well he can get opportunities,” Ancelotti said speaking about the crowd.
The future of the coach, though, is still in doubt despite the thumping victory. He was questioned about it as well and responded as follows:
“My future? The team gives me the security I want, the love the club gives me, it’s peace of mind for me because we can ꜰɪɢʜᴛ until the end. I explained my future yesterday, I will never talk about my future again.”
“For the next two months, talking about my future every three days will tire you out too.”
“My contract ends in 2024 and the idea is to get there. If the club is happy with me later… I’ll be here until 2034.”
