Valencia – Real Madrid: Relief For Real Despite Faltering At Valencia Before Clásico Clash (1-1)

Valencia played host to Real Madrid in a matchup that promised to excite. The home side came into the clash off an impressive run of recent results that has seen their rejuvenation under Albert Celades continue. Real themselves were in title-winning form and looking to grab a victory in a tough away visit. The late drama that ensued capped a game of great football despite a lack of goalmouth action. 
Tactical analysis and match report by Julian Chingoma.

Albert Celades set up the hosts in a 4-4-2 formation. Valencia had Jaume Doménech as their goalkeeper with first choice Cillessen still out injured. Jaume Costa, Ezequiel Garay, Gabriel Paulista and José Gayà were the backline with Costa and Gayà acting as fullbacks. Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin would be the double pivot 4-2-3-1 is one of the most frequently occurring formations in football. The two most defensive midfielders are called a ‘double pivot’. in midfield. They were flanked by the pair of Daniel Wass and Carlos Soler who played on the right and left of the central midfielders respectively. Rodrigo and Ferran Torres were the frontline pairing. 

Real Madrid were sent out by Zinedine Zidane in a 4-3-3 formation. Thibaut Courtois would stand in goal for Real and had four men ahead of him. Daniel Carvajal and Nacho would act as the fullbacks while Raphaël Varane and Sergio Ramos would form the central defensive partnership. Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić were the midfield three, with the Croatian operating in the slightly more advanced role amongst the three. Rodrygo would provide width on the right, while Isco would swing between the left wing . . .