Real Madrid C.F. Football Formation

Lineup (3-4-1-2)

Real Madrid against Barcelona in future Clasicoes! By having to strikers, RM can attack the weakest point in FCBs starting 11 (Pique+Mascherano). This will force Puyol to move medially from his left-back position, which in turn give a lot of space for Di Maria to run in. On the other side of the pitch, Marcelo will neutralize Alves. When the FCBs back-4 got one attacker each to mark, Sergio Busquets will be forced further back to mark either one of the strikers, probably Cristiano Ronaldo, and who else then Kaka would fit in the spot right behind RMs 2 strikers? A player who can both challenge defenders 1-vs-1 in counter attacks, but also provide the two strikers with match-winning passes. Again, this will push FCBs midfield further back, and defending against players like Kaka, aint the strongest card among players like Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas.

Defensively, RMs 3 men at back has to be calm. Varane is a player who can provide some calmness in RMs defense, when players like Pepe and Ramos gets their usual adrenalin-kicks. Pepe should be the one who follows Messi wherever he goes. Ramos should pick up the second striker, probably Alexis or Pedro. Lass and Khedira should each pick up Xavi and Fabregas and win the midfield battle. Of course non of them can open the defense with Zidane-like passes, but thats not their task. They are both better suited that Alonso and Sahin to break down the central nervous system and the heart of FCB: Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas. On the flanks: Di Maria marks Iniesta and Marcelo marks Alves. In fact their offensive capabilities could force Alves and Iniesta further back, so they don't make any damage in RMs half. Key-word for RMs midfield-4 is intensity. When they are finished running for the evening, Madrid got players like no other clubs on their bench: Carvalho/Albiol, Coentrao, Alonso, Sahin, Özil and Higuain.