A meeting of this quality will not be lost on football fans, who typically expect real entertainment when the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea cross swords. And that is precisely what happened in their most recent meeting, one which ended 2-1 to Real Madrid. This match also asked many questions and gave some very interesting answers concerning the strategies, plays as well has future of both teams. So let us dissect the reasoning behind these questions and answers, in order to decode what this achievement means for European footballs giants.
1. How Real Madrid Secured the Win
Ancelotti’s tactical masterclass
Real Madrid came out as winners of this tight game, primarily due to Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical acumen. The adaptability to the opposition that Conte possesses was crucial and paramount to his success. Real Madrid were able to control the pace and dictate Chelsea through a compact midfield, while their attacking front four created plenty of problems around where Los Blancos found most joy from an offensive standpoint.
Key Performances
Real Madrid then made a comeback thanks to the contributions of Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema. Vinícius’ pace and invention out wide created a glut of chances, Benzema’s dead-eyed finishing ensured that Real Madrid took theirs. Superb play by Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos dictated the pace in midfield, with Real Madrid transitioning from defense to attack swiftly.
Defensive Solidity
It was a resolute defensive effort from David Alaba and Èder Militão. They pretty much canceled out Chelsea’s attacking options, especially the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Mason Mount. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, the full-backs also made valuable contributions in order to maintain a balanced defensive shape.
2. What Went Wrong for Chelsea?
Inconsistent Defensive Play
Chelsea’s defense, so stable since Thomas Tuchel came in to replace Frank Lampard on the bench, was uncharacteristically awful. In fact, injuries and suspensions will have been the reason Tuchel was leaning on his makeshift backline in the first place without some key players available. The general lack of synchronisation between midfield and defence was brutally exposed with the defensive errors Real Madrid seized upon.
Midfield Creativity Gap
There was no way for Chelsea’s central midfield to get its game going. N’Golo Kanté, Jorginho were muted and news of them stifled in the resultant silence. In the final third, Chelsea were stale and devoid of ideas which in turn saw their front men repeatedly isolated.
Missed Opportunities
Chelsea were not without opportunity themselves, even in defeat. ConsequencesKai Havertz and Timo Werner squandered decisive chances that might have altered the course of the game. Indeed, such wasted opportunities highlighted Chelsea’s need for a more lethal touch inside the 18-yard box.
3. So what does this translate to for both these teams moving forward?
Madrid’s championship expectations
The win solidifies Real Madrid as one of the teams to beat — if not THE team to beat — in their quest for domestic and European silverware. That, depth and some tactical variety will make them a dangerous opponent. Carlo Ancelotti will hope to draw the best from his squad in order to stave off any potential banana skins as they approach a testing fixture list.
Where Chelsea Need Reinforcements
This is a wake up call to Chelsea. Indeed, they have a talented members but their wide play options are somewhat short on quality. Tuchel could use the January transfer window as a way to add depth, especially in defense and up front. The state of the key players at 100% is also something that will be critical in their success on upcoming appointments.
Psychological Impact
This outcome has a psychological toll that should not be underestimated. It will also give Real Madrid confidence they are more than capable of matching it with some strong opposition such as Chelsea. On the flip side, Chelsea will have to come together and pick themselves up. The next couple of weeks are going to test Tuchel’s man-management skills in keeping the morale and focus intact among his squad.
Chelsea
The Real Madrid 2–1 Chelsea was an intriguing battle that exposed the best and worst of both sides. In the end, Real Madrid executed its game plan better and got pivotal performances from key players whereas Chelsea continued to show defensive vulnerabilities on set pieces and missed chances that could have changed the outcome. Real Madrid, meanwhile, will now want to build on that result and Chelsea need to improve if they are going stay in the competition. Over the course of their seasons, clean takeaways and insights from this match will play a major role in determining how both footballing powerhouses go about things.
