Real Madrid – Real Sociedad: Mourinho’s Madrid overwhelm Sociedad after Matarazzo’s plan collapses (4–1)
Real Sociedad’s carefully designed approach gave them control for periods in the first half, as Rino Matarazzo exploited Real Madrid’s narrow defensive structure and repeatedly created access through Mikel Oyarzabal’s movements between the lines. However, once Sociedad’s intensity disappeared and their key attacking connector left the pitch, José Mourinho’s side took control, turning an evenly contested game into a convincing 4–1 victory.
Tactical analysis and match report by Sebastián Parreño.
Matarazzo changes Sociedad’s structure to exploit Madrid
Real Sociedad combined familiar approaches without the ball, alternating between aggressive man-oriented pressing and a deeper 4-4-2 zonal block. Their most interesting adjustment, however, came in possession.
Matarazzo had identified an opportunity in the defensive shape Madrid had shown during the opening games of Mourinho’s new era. Madrid defended in a narrow 4-2-3-1, with Vinícius Júnior and Arda Güler prioritizing the central areas while attempting to control potential passing lanes towards the flanks. Sociedad therefore changed their usual approach.
Having often built with three defenders last season, Matarazzo instead used a four-man base. The two centre-backs were joined by two wide full-backs, who remained close to the first line of construction. The objective was to stretch a Madrid side whose wide players tended to move inwards when defending.
At the same time, Matarazzo retained his four-man midfield by reorganizing it into a diamond. Oyarzabal dropped from his position up front into an attacking midfield role, while Kubo and Ochieng operated more narrowly in the half-spaces.
Get access to this article and all other quality content of Between the Posts!
Start your two-week free trial now!
Completely ad-free exclusive articles from our expert tactics writers, plus a complete match plots page to explore.
Already a member? Log in
Comments