New Delhi: Real Madrid started the 2024/25 season with high hopes after a dominant summer transfer window, but their campaign has faced several hurdles. Their recent 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup highlighted the inconsistency in their performances, exposing tactical shortcomings that have plagued the team this season. Despite sitting second in La Liga, Real Madrid have struggled to convert dominant performances into solid results, especially in crucial matches.
With coach Carlo Ancelotti’s stubbornness often criticised, it raises the question: is the legendary manager’s approach causing more harm than good?
1. Tactical rigidity and inflexibility
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid seen during the training session (Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Ancelotti’s tactical approach has often come under scrutiny, particularly his reluctance to adapt when things aren’t working. The Super Cup final against Barcelona was a perfect example. Despite going down early, Ancelotti stuck with his tactics, and Barcelona capitalised, exposing gaps in the defensive setup.
The team’s inability to cope with quick transitions and Barcelona’s counter-attacks highlighted the failure to adjust in real time. Even in La Liga, Real Madrid has struggled against teams that employ a deep defensive block, unable to break down the opposition’s defence.
Carlo Ancelotti’s refusal to change his approach in these moments has left the team vulnerable in key fixtures. Whether it’s his preference for a 4-3-3 or his insistence on specific player roles, the lack of tactical flexibility has been a recurring issue.
2. Over-reliance on individual brilliance
Carlo Ancelotti and Kylian Mbappe during Real Madrid practice session ahead of UEFA Super Cup Real Madrid – Atalanta BC at National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland on August 13, 2024. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
One of the most worrying aspects of Real Madrid’s season so far has been the team’s over-reliance on individual brilliance. In the match against Celta Vigo, for instance, it took a late header from Jude Bellingham to secure a 1-0 victory. Similarly, against Girona, it was Vinicius Júnior’s individual flair that delivered the win.
While these players are undoubtedly talented, relying so heavily on individual moments of magic rather than collective teamwork suggests a flaw in Ancelotti’s tactics. It’s clear that when these key players fail to deliver, Real Madrid struggle to pick up results.
Jude Bellingham and Vinicius have been outstanding, but football is a team sport, and Ancelotti’s lack of a cohesive game plan around the whole squad has exposed the team’s limitations.
3. Defensive vulnerabilities
people crying about “chance creation” dey kill me. the problem is the defense. it’s shit. coupled with ancelotti lack of tactics of building up. just take a look at this nonsense pic.twitter.com/xhyeTGrw3T
— Temple (@daluffs) January 13, 2025
Despite having a wealth of talent in the squad, Real Madrid’s defence has looked increasingly shaky. The Super Cup defeat to Barcelona was a clear indication of defensive shortcomings, with the defence failing to deal with the speed and movement of Barcelona’s attackers. Key moments of disorganisation, miscommunication, and slow reactions allowed Barcelona to score easily.
This vulnerability has not been confined to just one match. Throughout the season, Real Madrid have conceded goals in matches that should have been routine wins. In La Liga, their 2-2 draw against Real Betis saw them squander a two-goal lead, and their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid exposed gaps in the defensive line.
Carlo Ancelotti’s reliance on ageing defenders like Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, who have struggled with injuries, has left the backline lacking the necessary pace and resilience to withstand high-pressure situations.
4. Inconsistent match results
Scattered thoughts.
– Completely unsustainable having Vazquez at right-back from now until May / June. Enough warning signings now. Don’t wait until the season is over. Right-back situation has to be fixed now….
– … Which means signing someone…
– .. If you don’t sign…— Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) January 13, 2025
Real Madrid’s season has been marked by inconsistency. Despite sitting second in La Liga, their results have been far from impressive, with several matches won narrowly. In a 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid’s inability to break down their rivals’ defensive setup meant they only managed a draw.
Similarly, in a 2-2 draw with Real Betis, Real Madrid’s inability to control the game in the second half led to two dropped points. Even in their 2-1 win over Real Sociedad, they were forced to rely on a last-minute winner from Bellingham. These performances indicate that, despite the strong squad,
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical decisions have often fallen short. The team has failed to dominate matches in a convincing manner, leaving supporters wondering if a change in approach could bring more consistent results.
5. Lack of motivation in key matches
Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti, left, speaks to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valencia and Real Madrid, at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Another factor behind Real Madrid’s struggles this season has been the team’s lack of motivation in crucial matches. This was evident in the Super Cup final against Barcelona, where Real Madrid seemed flat, uninspired, and unable to match the intensity of their opponents. Even after going down 3-1, the team struggled to rally and create any real chances.
This lack of urgency has also been apparent in other key fixtures. In their 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid started the match without the usual vigour and focus, only reacting to Atletico’s equaliser late on. Ancelotti’s inability to instil motivation in his players during such high-pressure moments has been a glaring issue.
Players like Bellingham, Mbappe, and Vinicius have shown individual flair, but as a collective unit, Real Madrid have failed to match the intensity required in big games.
Opinion: Is change needed?
As Real Madrid’s 2024/25 season continues, Carlo Ancelotti’s management and tactical rigidity have been a major talking point. While the team is still in the hunt for trophies, their inconsistency in big matches, defensive vulnerabilities, and over-reliance on individual performances raise serious questions about whether Ancelotti’s approach is sustainable.
Despite being second in La Liga, the team’s lack of a cohesive strategy and adaptability in key fixtures has led to frustrating results. With the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and other title contenders breathing down their necks, Real Madrid need more than just individual brilliance to secure trophies this season.
A reassessment of Ancelotti’s tactics and a shift in focus towards a more adaptable and cohesive strategy may be necessary if they are to reclaim their position at the top of Spanish and European football.
Inconsistent results and close wins have marked Real Madrid’s 2024/25 season under Carlo Ancelotti. Weak defence, low energy, and rigid tactics now question their chances of winning trophies. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
