Real Madrid's resurgence at San Mames: Xabi Alonso finalizes the 3-5-2 formation.
Xabi Alonso switched from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2, Tchouameni dropped back to center-back; Real won again after three setbacks, Vini and Bellingham were freed up, pressing 13 times.
At San Mames, Real Madrid returned to winning ways after three consecutive La Liga defeats thanks to a pivotal decision by coach Xabi Alonso: a flexible transition from a 4-4-2 formation when out of possession to a 3-5-2 when attacking. This adjustment allowed Real to control the midfield, suffocating Athletic Bilbao with intense pressing and rapid transitions, resulting in 13 successful ball recoveries in the opponent's third of the pitch.
Switching the system: from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2
Defensively, Real set up a 4-4-2 formation. When attacking, Aurelien Tchouameni dropped deep to become a third centre-back, operating alongside Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger to restructure into a 3-5-2. This move freed up full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras, allowing them to push forward as wingers, stretching the pitch and forcing opponents back.
In midfield, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde were pushed inwards, forming a diamond shape that controlled the tempo. From there, Real dominated space, increased high-pressure pressing, and frequently intercepted second passes.
Immediate effect: the detonator is released.
Kylian Mbappe showed his class with a brace and an assist. However, the clearest beneficiary of the new system was Vinicius Junior: relieved of defensive duties, he played more freely, becoming the player with the second-highest number of passes in the opponent's half and taking the same number of shots as Mbappe.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite leaving the field early due to injury, still led the game in the number of crosses (7). On the other flank, Alvaro Carreras maintained width and depth for crosses into the half-space, supporting the second-line runs.
Eduardo Camavinga was another highlight. In his new role, he scored a spectacular goal and had the highest expected goals (xG) in the team (0.77), while also making 7 ball recoveries – a combination of both creative contributions and disrupting the opponent's rhythm.
Heart of the system: Tchouameni anchor
Tchouameni was the pivot of the entire structure. He touched the ball more than anyone else on the pitch (104 times), acting as both a key passer and ensuring safe transitions. Camavinga's goal clearly illustrated this fluidity: a sequence of 15 passes and 42 touches in 41 consecutive seconds before finishing with a goal.
Thanks to this anchor, Real maintains a reasonable positional balance between the lines, always has a way to escape pressing, and can immediately build up pressure when they lose possession.
Bellingham's role
Xabi Alonso returned Jude Bellingham to his proper central midfield role. Despite starting on the left wing in a 4-4-2 formation, Bellingham was given freedom in attack: moving wide, connecting the midfield triangle, and contributing significantly to defensive work. His first half was notable for his ball recovery, matching Camavinga's performance in the team.
The numbers speak for themselves.
| Index | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Win the ball high | 13 times | Right in the opponent's third of the field. |
| Mbappe | 2 goals, 1 assist | Direct impact on the score |
| Vinicius Junior | Second highest number of passes in the opponent's half. | The number of shots on goal is equal to Mbappe's. |
| Alexander-Arnold | 7 throws | Left the field early due to injury. |
| Camavinga | 1 goal, xG 0.77, 7 ball recoveries | Two-way effectiveness |
| Tchouameni | 104 touches | Coordination support |
| Chain leading to table | 15 passes, 42 touches, 41 seconds | Exemplary programming phase |
The remaining problem
Xabi Alonso emerged from a period of inconsistency with a bold and timely move. However, injuries to Alexander-Arnold and Camavinga – two crucial links in the new system – present another test of Real's ability to maintain intensity and structure. Nevertheless, at San Mames, the team has come close to the form the Spanish strategist is aiming for.
