Valencia – Real Madrid: Late Push From Real Madrid Secures Three Points (1-2)

In what was a chaotic end-to-end match, Real Madrid grabbed three points from Valencia due to their extensive offensive pressure late on in the game. Though Valencia’s high pressure system stifled Real Madrid’s buildup for much of the match, they eventually grew tired due to the intensity required for José Bordalás’ style of play. Real Madrid capitalized with goals from Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema.
Tactical analysis and match report by Charlie Tuley.

The late Sunday night kickoff saw LaLiga’s top two teams (both level on ten points through four matches) go head to head, as Real Madrid took on Valencia at the Mestalla. Bordalás’ Valencia have shocked the Spanish football world with their start to the 2021/2022 campaign, after a quiet transfer window in the summer left them with a thinning squad. However, it looks like the Valencia squad has adapted to Bordalás high-intensity system rather quickly, as they entered this match undefeated; coming off large wins against Alavés and Osasuna.

Bordalás was forced to make two changes from the team that beat Osasuna last weekend, as club captain José Gayá and Denis Cherysev both picked up injuries during the previous match. New signings Dimitri Foulquier and Hugo Duro slotted into the left back and left midfielder roles respectively, and Maxi Gómez partnered the in-form Gonçalo Guedes in attack.

Real Madrid were without Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos for their trip to Valencia. Carlo Ancelotti chose to line up his team in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Eden Hazard returning to the starting eleven after not appearing

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