Kylian Mbappé faced off against his former team, Paris Saint-Germain, in the Club World Cup semi-finals, marking his first meeting since leaving for Real Madrid via a free transfer planned for 2024. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointing match for Real Madrid, as they suffered a 4-0 defeat, with Mbappé’s performance hindered after returning from gastroenteritis. The team struggled due to absences, including Dean Huissen’s suspension and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, forcing coach Xabi Alonso to alter his strategy. Opting for a traditional 4-4-2 formation, he paired Mbappé with Gonzalo Garcia, making it easier for PSG to dominate possession. Mbappé managed just 27 touches, resulting in four shots and one on target. Similarly, Vinicius Junior only had 21 touches, highlighting Real Madrid’s failure to score. The setup utilized by coach Carlo Ancelotti seemed suitable for lower-ranked teams, but it faltered against top-tier opponents.
The Need for a Back 3
Real Madrid’s performance relied on a flexible 4-4-2 diamond or a 3-5-2 formation that allowed players like Francisco García and Alexander Arnold to showcase their attacking skills while providing necessary defensive support. This approach helped generate numerous chances and offered a better route to victory than the traditional playstyle employed under Alonso, which had previously brought freshness to the squad. Francisco García, who was on the verge of leaving the team, found renewed opportunity under the new management.
However, playing a back four exposed deficiencies in the squad’s transition from defense to attack, leading to inefficiencies. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militão, who both made their tournament debuts, will be key to reclaiming the La Liga crown after injuries kept them sidelined for much of last season.
Antonio Rudiger exemplified these defensive issues, though he, along with Fuizen and Aurelien Tchouameni, can provide depth at center-back. Such shortcomings could prompt Alonso to make tactical adjustments that may give Mbappé more opportunities. Alexander Arnold, known for his exceptional passing ability, could also enhance the offensive dynamics. Despite not fitting into Madrid’s attacking schemes last season, Mbappé still managed to net 43 goals and record five assists, suggesting he could reach over 50 next season with better support.
Fan Take: This matchup reminds fans just how unpredictable football can be, with a single game capable of redefining a player’s reputation. As Mbappé and Real Madrid build for the future, this could set the stage for an exciting evolution in how top clubs approach the game, especially in a competitive environment.
