Real Madrid v Sevilla tactics as Los Blancos look at more direct play

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 00:05 19/01/2019
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  • Santiago Solari

    Three months ago, Sevilla thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 and set the snowball rolling for a crisis period in the capital. The pair lock horns again on Saturday and the winner will take the third spot in the league table.

    Los Blancos have recorded 10 defeats in all competitions this season and a win against Sevilla could provide a psychological boost as they enter the business end of the season.

    Once touted to challenge for the title, Sevilla are not on a good streak themselves. Pablo Machin’s side have won just one game in their last six games and are in dire need of a win to get their season back on track.

    We take a look at some of the tactics the managers could employ in the crucial clash.

    SEVILLA – SOAK IN THE PRESSURE AND CHOOSE YOUR MOMENTS

    Sevilla stunned Real Madrid earlier in the season.

    Sevilla stunned Real Madrid earlier in the season.

    When the two teams faced each other in the short-lived Julen Lopetegui era, Sevilla were allowed to dictate terms in midfield due to a timid approach by Madrid.

    However, Santiago Solari’s Madrid like to press, counter-press and get into a commanding position by half-time. Of course, Machin could opt to fight fire with fire and attack from the word go.

    A rather pragmatic approach would be to soak in the early pressure and ensure that the defensive shape is intact and strike at the opportune moment.

    Madrid are known to play a high line and a quick counter can always spell doom for Los Blancos.

    Hence, Sevilla could opt for a more defensive approach and choose their moments to attack.

    MADRID – DIRECT PLAY

    Isco

    Isco

    The current Madrid side prefers stretching play and attacking from the wing rather than direct balls into the opponent’s box.

    The full-backs Sergio Reguilon and Carvajal like to stretch the play wide and attack the area with crosses.

    This is not something that would work against a team that plays a three-man defence and relies on the aerial dominance of their centre-backs in defending crosses. In fact, it could back-fire and lead to a Sevilla counter.

    Los Blancos must hence adopt a more direct approach and hope for individual brilliance to get them the win against Sevilla.

    Toni Kroos is side-lined due to injury and Luka Modric has been poor this season. An approach like this screams for a player who can thread incisive passes from advanced positions or even carry the ball into the box himself.

    Sure, Vinicius Junior can dribble past the Sevilla defenders, but Isco would be Madrid’s best bet at playing from the centre. The number 10 could be vital in a game like this and if Solari opts against using the Spaniard, it could very well confirm that Isco has no future at the capital club.

    SEVILLA – OCCUPY CASEMIRO

    Casemiro

    Casemiro

    It’s no secret that Madrid are having a horrible season defensively, with Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane under-performing. The defence was in total shambles in the stretch of games that did not feature Casemiro.

    The Brazilian acts as a screen ahead of a fragile defence and occupying him could expose it.

    The likes of Ever Banega and Franco Vasquez might have to risk it and play in an advanced position to draw Casemiro forward and let Pablo Sarabia take the initiative up front.

    Given Madrid’s high line, Sevilla could also hurt them on the counter, led by Jesus Navas and Sergio Escudero.

    The idea is to take Casemiro out of the equation and challenge the Madrid centre-backs in a two-on-two situation.

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