Real Madrid find winning formula again

Real Madrid had a resounding victory over Bilbao.

The resounding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames in round 19 of La Liga on the morning of December 4 not only rescued Real Madrid, but also revealed a more coherent, explosive and energetic version of Madrid than ever before.

Real Madrid arrived at San Mames with a heavy heart. Three defeats against Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Girona left Xabi Alonso's position in a precarious position. But it was at Athletic's cathedral that Madrid suddenly bounced back with their strongest performance of the season.

Xabi’s tactical “surgery” was the biggest highlight. Real defended in a 4-4-2, but when they played the ball, the system immediately opened up to a 3-5-2. Tchouameni dropped between the two central defenders to create leverage to escape pressing. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Carreras were pushed high as wingers, while Bellingham and Valverde moved inside to control the midfield. The new rhythm helped Real suffocate space when they lost the ball, pressing high effectively and recovering 13 possessions in the final third of the pitch from Athletic.

For the rare time this season, everyone on the pitch was on point. Mbappe continued his excellent form with two goals and an assist, while Vinicius looked freer without being forced into a heavy defensive role. He had four shots, the same as Mbappe, and kept up the pressure with his quick dribbles.

The biggest beneficiary was Trent. When given space to attack, the England defender proved his worth with seven crosses - the most of the match - before being forced off injured in the 53rd minute. It was a huge disappointment on a night when he was completely in charge of the right wing.

Amid the suffocating pressure after three consecutive defeats, Xabi Alonso found the formula he had been searching for.

Camavinga, the second injury casualty, also made a big impression. He made it 2-0 with a header and had the highest xG assist of the match (0.77). Defensively, the Frenchman won the ball back seven times and helped Valverde feel more comfortable in his return to a pure midfield role.

Another highlight was Bellingham. From his familiar attacking midfield position, the former Borussia Dortmund star was moved down to the left by Xabi, but when attacking he was given absolute freedom. He fought fiercely, won six duels and led the team in recoveries (7). When Real Madrid led 3-0, Bellingham slowed down to conserve energy.

It all revolved around Tchouameni, the pivot of the system. He touched the ball 104 times, the most in the match, and was the key link in helping Real control the tempo of play. Camavinga's goal, which ended a 41-second spell of possession and 15 passes, was a clear demonstration of the fluidity Xabi had built.

San Mames could be the turning point of the season. Real Madrid finally find the “rock and roll” rhythm that Xabi promised. The only question left is how they can maintain it without Trent and Camavinga, two important pieces in the new structure.

Source: https://znews.vn/real-madrid-tim-lai-cong-thuc-chien-thang-post1608448.html