Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is preparing to make several tactical decisions for Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona.
Los Blancos come into this game hoping to close the six-point gap that Hansi Flick’s Barça have established at the top of the table.
According to MARCA, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler and Yan Diomande are expected to occupy important roles in Madrid’s starting XI.
Mourinho’s plan involves deploying Valverde at right-back, Guler on the right wing and Diomande on the left, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga form a double pivot in midfield.
Mourinho plans a different midfield and attacking structure
Valverde’s expected inclusion at right-back would continue a tactical adjustment that has recently helped Madrid improve their possession game.
The Uruguayan offers energy, defensive recovery and the ability to move into midfield when Madrid build attacks.
Arda Guler is expected to start on the right wing against Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Ahead of him, Guler would provide creativity from the right flank, using his left foot to drift inside and connect with Madrid’s central players.
Meanwhile, Tchouameni and Camavinga would give Mourinho a physically strong midfield partnership capable of protecting the defence and competing for second balls.
Diomande’s proposed role on the opposite wing would add pace and directness, and he will look to target Xavi Espart, who is likely to start at right-back for Barça.
What Mourinho’s plan means for Barcelona
For Hansi Flick, the reported set-up offers several tactical clues ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
Guler’s tendency to move inside could create combinations with Valverde, making Barcelona’s left-sided defensive organisation particularly important.
However, that movement could also leave space behind Valverde when Madrid commit players forward.
Barcelona’s attackers must be prepared to exploit those situations quickly rather than allowing Madrid to recover their defensive shape.
Tchouameni and Camavinga could start together in midfield for El Clasico. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) (Photo by GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)
The Tchouameni-Camavinga partnership presents another challenge. Their physicality could make central progression difficult.
Barça‘s midfield is the best there is in world football, and they will have to use their technical prowess to beat Madrid’s physicality.
Madrid have looked better in these last two games since Jose Mourinho made these tactical adjustments, and Barça need to be wary of those changes.
However, playing at the Camp Nou, Flick’s side should determine how the game is played, and it remains to be seen how Barça set up against Madrid.