Real Madrid's Gamble: A New Formation Takes Center Stage

Real Madrid's upcoming match against Girona is more than just another La Liga fixture; it's a crucial test of Carlo Ancelotti's tactical prowess and the team's resilience. Coming off back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Athletic Club, Real Madrid is under pressure to secure a win. The stakes are high, with a seven-point gap potentially separating them from league leaders FC Barcelona. The pressure increased when Barcelona drew against Real Betis. This means that a Real Madrid win will reduce the gap to only two points. Ancelotti acknowledges the challenges but remains confident in his team's ability to turn things around. “The team is not playing its best and, as always happens in football, the coach is the most responsible. Having said that, I think you're giving me too much criticism. Maybe you're tired of me. I'm not tired. Criticism is acceptable and I understand it. Sometimes it's fuel,” he stated at a prematch press conference.

Ancelotti's Tactical Shift: A 4-3-3 Formation

To counter Girona’s strong performance, Ancelotti is abandoning the 4-4-2 formation used in the recent loss to Athletic Club and adopting a 4-3-3. This bold move involves dropping key players, Raul Asencio and Dani Ceballos, from the starting lineup. This change is not merely a cosmetic alteration; it reflects a strategic shift designed to improve the team's attack and midfield fluidity. In the absence of Rodrygo, who suffered a muscle injury before the match, Brahim Diaz will start. The new formation aims to provide more offensive support to Mbappe, who Ancelotti admits is not at his best currently.

Defensive Concerns and Midfield Rejig

While the 4-3-3 addresses the team’s attacking inefficiencies, there are defensive concerns. Despite the recent struggles, the backline includes familiar faces: Fran Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, and Lucas Vazquez. Aurelien Tchouameni, who had a subpar performance in the match against Athletic Club, retains his place in the midfield, alongside Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde, positioned ahead of the experienced Luka Modric. This midfield combination seeks to blend youth and experience effectively.

Attacking Options: Mbappe, Brahim and Guler Spearhead the Assault

The front three will see Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler partnering with Kylian Mbappe. This attacking combination aims for a more balanced, dynamic forward line to counter Girona’s solid defense. The inclusion of Guler alongside Bellingham provides a promising opportunity for a blend of creativity and goal-scoring prowess. The absence of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo adds pressure to this combination to deliver results. Ancelotti is optimistic but realistic about the challenge ahead, stating, “Girona is doing well. They are in the Champions League, and they compete very well. We have to take it as an opportunity.”

The Importance of a Win: Maintaining the Title Chase

The match against Girona is not just about securing a victory; it's about staying in the title race. With Barcelona potentially extending their lead by seven points before kickoff, a win is imperative for Real Madrid to cut down the deficit. While they’ll have two games in hand, a loss would severely hamper their title aspirations. Ancelotti rightly calls the match “complicated,” acknowledging Girona's strength and the need for a perfect performance from his team.

Ancelotti’s Press Conference: Addressing Criticism

Ancelotti’s pre-match press conference revealed his awareness of external criticism. He openly admitted that Real Madrid is not performing at its best and accepts that he bears the primary responsibility. However, he also suggests the criticism may be excessive: “The team is not playing its best and, as always happens in football, the coach is the most responsible... I think you're giving me too much criticism. Maybe you're tired of me. I'm not tired.” His response shows his willingness to address criticism constructively while highlighting his dedication to the team.

A Look at the Opposing Side: Girona’s Strengths

Girona’s presence in the Champions League signifies their strength. Ancelotti rightly acknowledges this, emphasizing that Real Madrid must see the game as an opportunity, not a challenge to be feared. Girona's recent unbeaten run underscores their capability, adding more pressure to Real Madrid’s need to produce a commanding performance. They are not just an opponent; they are a worthy adversary, demanding Real Madrid’s best.

The Road Ahead: A Crucial Stage in the Season

Real Madrid's performance against Girona will not only determine the outcome of this particular match, but it also holds immense importance for their aspirations of winning another La Liga title. The match highlights the intense pressure on Real Madrid and Ancelotti, and how the team will respond to this pressure will be a key indicator of their chances this season. The upcoming weeks promise to be exciting and challenging, with Real Madrid striving to reclaim their form and position in the league standings. The battle for the La Liga crown is far from over.