The infinite production of Rodrygo, what comes from the new Valverde, the problem that Ancelotti did not solve…

Ehe Real Madrid displayed Champions League stripes on their visit to London and, in an exercise of practicality, emerged victorious from the always difficult Stamford Bridge square. He did it with small doses of suffering but with control of the situation that even led to winning the match. From the night in London, some footballers came out very reinforced and some tactical aspects strengthened the superiority of the current European champion. We analyze some of them.

The number of variants that Rodrygo offers

It has cost but it seems that Rodrygo is already a fixture in Ancelotti’s eleven gala. It was time. The amount of solutions that the Brazilian provides at a tactical level is a blessing for this Madrid. Starting from the right wing, his tendency to go towards the middle allows him to occupy playmaker positions in the association with Benzema but also to fall into the ‘9’ zonewhich leads to total freedom for Karim to move around the entire attack front, usually being a short support solution for the ball holder.

His speed also presents him as an opportune winger, with the enough quality and dribbling resources to overwhelm more than a pure band player. And that disorients the winger, in this case Cucurella, who hesitates between chasing when he falls to the middle or shrinking when he is measured in the duel on the wing. Oh, and besides being very good, the Brazilian has a goal. Let them ask in London.

Fede prepares for the transition

Accustomed to playing more as a false interior, Fede Valverde of participate more in the work of creation in that double pivot with Kroos that Ancelotti has already made recurring and that we saw again at Stamford Bridge. That eludes Modric from much of his defensive obligations and allows the little bird to take on more creative tasks, preparing himself for what the future will demand when the German and Croatian are gone.

His stride and driving power, in addition, allowed to overcome lines in the ‘blue’ pressure and promote those quick transitions that Ancelotti’s men like so much. His role has changed and his physical deployment is now accompanied by a responsibility, almost non-existent before, in the initiation phase. Then, when everyone falters, The Uruguayan maintains his physiqueAnd that shows.

Camavinga, from solution to problem

Chelsea was very clear about where Madrid could bleed to death. Let Vinicius stay off the hook and the logical shortcomings of Camavinga in terms of positioning on the left side they allowed Lampard to find a loophole in that area to create danger. There it was a headache for James and his power, the surprise appearances of Fofana and the falls to the wing of Kante, who clearly knew where to throw the breaking unchecks.

From there came the clearest chances for the Londoners with a cross that Kante missed in the early stages of the game and another in which Cucurella met the giant Courtois on the brink of halftime. The danger of those from Lampard always came from that area. That hole got bigger and bigger and Ancelotti didn’t stop it. Only the delivery of Chelsea’s weapons after Rodrygo’s first goal cut the bleeding on that lane. If there is no solution against City, the consequences can be painful.