Formation change marks the first time in 25 years that Real Madrid have played three at the back
Xabi Alonso stamped a little more of his identity on Real Madrid on Friday, switching to a three-man defence that helped secure a commanding 3-0 win over RB Salzburg and top spot in Group H at the Club World Cup.
The result sets up a last-16 clash with Juventus in Miami and could signal the beginning of a new tactical era at Madrid.
Alonso, known for his tactical ability and use of a three-at-the-back structure at Bayer Leverkusen, opted to use the same system for the first time since taking over at the Bernabeu. The formation featured Aurelien Tchouameni, Antonio Rudiger, and new signing Dean Huijsen as the three central defenders, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia playing as wing backs that pushed high up the pitch.
Federico Valverde acted as the anchor in midfield, with Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler given freedom to create, and Vinicius and Gonzalo Garcia leading the line. The formation change marked the first time in 25 years that Real Madrid have played three at the back.
The new shape proved effective and Alonso’s side were much more in control than they had been in the tournament so far.
Vinicius Junior said after the match: “It takes time. Of course, we can’t fully adapt to the coach’s ideas so quickly, but today was a good game for that, especially in the first half.”
Madrid’s first goal came in the 40th minute when Bellingham played a perfectly weighted pass to Vinicius and the Brazilian weaved past two defenders to fire into the corner. Just before halftime, Vinicius turned creator with a clever backheel to Valverde, who slotted home Real’s second.
Madrid dominated possession after the break, and although they were wasteful their third goal ultimately came in the 84th minute, when Gonzalo Garcia lobbed the Salzburg keeper to finish off a slick counter-attack.
Alonso said: “The first half was serious. We played patiently, knowing that we couldn’t win in 10 minutes and that we had to be mature to find our opportunity. We started the second half well and, with the score at 3-0, I’m happy with the lads.”
