Real Madrid's Tactical Woes Persist Across Three Matches

In the past few weeks, Real Madrid has faced a series of tactical challenges that have repeated themselves with concerning consistency. The draw against Rayo Vallecano last month was a clear example of Madrid's struggles, as they dominated possession but created very little. The team spent long spells circulating the ball without purpose, unable to find width or accelerate the play. Their forwards were squeezed into crowded central zones, and Rayo's compact shape cut off passing lanes, making it easy to defend against Madrid.

The match against Atletico Madrid a week later followed a similar pattern, but also exposed Madrid's vulnerabilities in both boxes. Atletico were more intense, quicker to transition, and far more decisive in key moments. Madrid repeatedly lost second balls in midfield and never established control. Going forward, they created very few meaningful chances, often rushing their final actions or running into Atletico's organized defensive lines.

Most alarmingly, the recent defeat to Liverpool at Anfield exposed Madrid's tactical limitations from a strategic standpoint. Liverpool's relentless press smothered Madrid from the first minute, forcing them into rushed passes and isolating their key attackers, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, high up the pitch. Even when Madrid managed periods of controlled possession, they carried almost no threat, ending the match with just one shot on target. This performance highlighted how limited Madrid's attacking variety has become, with slow buildups, little coordinated movement, and very few patterns designed to beat an aggressive press.