The Final of the 2023-2024 edition of the Super Cup will once again pit Barça against Madrid. A final that is the first title of this course and that always sets trends. These are the tactical keys from Madrid’s perspective:
Two hot spots in Ancelotti’s eleven for today. The first in the goal. And, after the coach opted for Kepa in the semifinal, his performance left doubts and did not close the debate. It cannot be ruled out that it will be Lunin who has the responsibility of defending the three suits tonight. On the other hand, we will see what happens with the Kroos-Modric pairing. And Ancelotti has always chosen to reserve one of the two starters in big games. The Croatian started against Atlético but the German’s entry ended up being decisive. He dominated the game from the Colchoneros’ 3-2 lead. It will be interesting to see who the Italian coach opts for. Toni Kroos is the one who has the most starting numbers.
Offensively, the great white strength lies in the talent, the overflow and the capacity for surprise with which this attacking trio is moving. With Vinícius being the deepest footballer in space, Rodrygo appearing between the lines and Jude Bellingham with his shot, his undetectable incursions and his ability to lead by winning duels, today they will once again be the main argument of choral overflow. Furthermore, all three are in good shape and making a difference. The statistics are brutal: they have participated directly or indirectly (goal or assist) in 78% of Madrid’s goals. Much of Real Madrid’s offensive performance will depend on their football tone.
The side’s form is excellent. The change in system to 4-4-2 gives them a lot of prominence with the ball since they have to reach much more and, that, they are exploiting their characteristics to the maximum. His attacks are doing a lot of damage to rivals and, when rivals give him meters to cross, he is doing it with determination. He has a good foot for it. Furthermore, he has the peace of mind that Rüdiger is aware of the gaps he leaves when he joins. He just scored the final goal in the semifinal.
Also underline Madrid’s ability to win many close matches in the final phase of the match (semi-final against Atlético, Montjuïc, Vitoria…). And he is doing it because of his great physical superiority over his rivals and because of his bench depth. They have ultra-unbalancing legs and arguments in the final stretches. Brahim, Camavinga, Modric or Kroos, Joselu or even Arda Güler can once again be key if Ancelotti moves them well.