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Real Madrid Football Formation

Creation DateApril 10, 2025

Starting Lineup

CURTOIS · VALVERDE · GRAVENBERCH · CEBALLOS · HUJSEN · ASENCIO · GILA · NICO PAZ · BELLINGHAM · MBAPPE · ENDRICK

Real Madrid looks to play a vertical and high pressing game in this 3-4-3 formation. The team aims to win the ball high up the pitch and use directness to catch opponents off guard. This lineup focuses on heavy pressure and quick attacks to exploit any space left behind the opposition line.

In goal, CURTOIS acts as the last line of defense. The back line consists of a back three with HUJSEN acting as the central defender to anchor the unit. GILA plays as the left centre back while ASENCIO operates as the right centre back. These defenders work together to hold the line and defend zonally. The unit must cover the space behind when the midfielders push up and ensure they win the second ball during defensive transitions.

The midfield works as a four-man unit to control the center of the pitch. GRAVENBERCH sits in a single pivot role to shield the defense and pick up runners. Beside him, CEBALLOS works to connect the defensive and attacking lines. VALVERDE and BELLINGHAM operate in the half-spaces to drive forward with the ball. BELLINGHAM is known for his driving runs into the box and his ability to cover vast amounts of ground. This group works to squeeze the space in the middle and press aggressively to win it back high up the pitch.

The attack features three players across the front to stretch the defense. ENDRICK acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. On the flanks, MBAPPE and NICO PAZ provide width. MBAPPE is an inverted winger who loves to cut inside onto his stronger foot to create shooting chances. NICO PAZ stays wide to stretch the defense before looking to play through the lines. These forwards press the opposition back line from the front to force a long ball and create chances through rapid transitions.

Real Madrid gains a major advantage through the speed of transition when they win the ball. The ability of BELLINGHAM and VALVERDE to carry the ball forward allows the team to move from a mid-block to an attacking state very quickly. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. This forces the opposition to play wide and allows the back three to stay compact.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for a team that wants to dominate through physical presence and rapid counter attacking. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.