Real Madrid activate plan B for Champions League final: implement four midfield strategy

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has devised a strategic shift for the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, opting to employ a four-man midfield. According AS, this formation will include Eduardo Camavinga,

Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham. This setup, although featuring immensely talented players, has seen limited action together, with only six starts this season, two of which were against Manchester City.

An opportunity for Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga is set to play a pivotal role in this new formation. Typically, Aurelien Tchouameni has been the primary choice for the pivot position, but with Tchouameni sidelined due to a stress injury in his left foot, Camavinga will have a significant opportunity to prove himself.

Although Camavinga is more dynamic and attack-oriented than Tchouameni, he has been prone to making errors when initiating plays. The final will be a crucial test for him to demonstrate his reliability and skill.

Camavinga’s challenge is heightened by the absence of Tchouameni, who has been seen in a support brace and on crutches following a recent injury.

Despite being included in the squad, Tchouameni’s participation in the final is highly unlikely, pushing Camavinga into the spotlight. Ancelotti’s preference for a more conservative pivot like Tchouameni underscores the importance of minimizing mistakes in crucial matches.

Ancelotti forced to make changes

Ancelotti’s decision to activate this Plan B is a direct response to Tchouameni’s injury. With Camavinga stepping into the pivot role, where he has played 22 times this season, the midfield composition is both a tactical necessity and a strategic gamble. This approach aims to balance defensive stability with offensive creativity, leveraging Camavinga’s dynamic playstyle to complement the experience and vision of Kroos, Valverde, and Bellingham.

Future implications and tactical adjustments

Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces several player dilemmas, particularly in midfield. The impending departure of Toni Kroos and the potential arrival of high-profile signings like Kylian Mbappe and Endrick will necessitate significant adjustments.

The competition for midfield spots will intensify, especially with the possible shift to a 4-3-3 formation to accommodate new attacking talents.

This strategic evolution also affects players like Rodrygo, whose position in the team depends heavily on the chosen formation. In a 4-4-2 setup, his chances of starting diminish with Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. as the primary attackers. However, a switch to a 4-3-3 formation could provide Rodrygo an opportunity, albeit likely on the right flank, which is not his preferred position.

Real Madrid prepares for the Champions League final, Ancelotti’s tactical decisions reflect both immediate needs and long-term strategic planning.

The four-man midfield, led by Camavinga in the pivot role, symbolizes a blend of necessity and opportunity, aiming to secure victory while adapting to the evolving dynamics of the team.

The final against Borussia Dortmund will not only test this new strategy but also set the stage for future tactical frameworks as Real Madrid navigates player transitions and formation shifts.