How Real Madrid figured out Man City's tactics.

Coach Alvaro Arbeloa revealed the tactics that helped Real Madrid beat Man City 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on the morning of March 12th.

Real Madrid outsmarts Man City. Photo: Reuters .

At the Bernabeu, Real Madrid displayed disciplined and effective play. The Royal team not only capitalized on their opportunities to score three goals, all courtesy of Federico Valverde, but also made it almost impossible for Man City to implement their familiar possession-based style of play.

Speaking after the match, coach Arbeloa said that the Real Madrid coaching staff had thoroughly studied Manchester City's tactical approach. According to him, understanding Pep Guardiola's style was a key factor in helping the Spanish team prepare effective countermeasures.

"We understand very well how Man City play, how Pep builds his game, and what they are always looking for on the pitch. So the whole team analyzes it thoroughly before the match," Arbeloa said.

Man City were unable to implement their familiar playing style. Photo: Reuters .

According to the Spanish coach, Real Madrid proactively narrows the spaces and blocks multiple passing routes from their opponents. Instead of pressing hastily, Real Madrid players are instructed to maintain a reasonable formation and only apply pressure at the right moment.

"It's important not to rush. If you step up to press the ball-carrying player at the wrong time, they'll immediately exploit the space behind you," the former defender explained.

Meanwhile, hero Valverde also revealed coach Arbeloa's instructions: "He asked me to take advantage of second balls or when the ball bounces out. My teammates would try to create favorable passes for me. The whole team also practiced pressing from the opposing goalkeeper's build-up play and taking advantage of that."

Trailing 0-3, Man City will face an extremely difficult task in the second leg. They previously beat Real Madrid 4-0 at home in 2023, but replicating that feat again will certainly not be easy.

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Source: https://znews.vn/cach-real-madrid-bat-bai-man-city-post1634214.html