So today I decided to try figuring out what positions actually work against Real Madrid after watching Valencia struggle last season. Grabbed my notebook and fired up Football Manager because hey, it’s cheaper than buying the whole team right?
The Disaster First Attempt
Started by copying Valencia’s usual 4-4-2 like an idiot. Pushed the defensive line high because some tutorial said that’s modern football. Big mistake. Vinicius just sprinted past my left back like he was standing still. By halftime Benzema scored twice from through balls – felt like bowling pins getting knocked down.
Switching Things Up
After that embarrassment, I spent 40 minutes rewatching Real’s recent matches. Noticed they always murder teams who leave space behind. So second half I:
- Parked the bus: Dropped defense DEEP near our box
- Triple lockdown: Put three workers in midfield chasing Modrić
- Target man: Left one tall striker up just to hoof balls at
Felt dirty playing like 2005 Chelsea but guess what? Actually worked! Modrić couldn’t find gaps anymore and Courtois kept booting goal kicks straight to us.
The Sweet Spot Discovery
Here’s the magic sauce I finally landed on:
- False fullbacks: Told both defenders NOT to attack at all
- Annoying bees: Two fast wingers just buzzing at Carvajal’s ankles
- Counter triggers: Only sprint forward when Vinicius loses the ball
The winning moment came when Rodrygo tried fancy footwork near halfway and BAM – interception straight to our winger for 1v1 against keeper. Scrappy 1-0 win screaming at the monitor!
Honestly felt like cracking some cheat code. Turns out “expert tactics” just means making Real Madrid play in phone booth spaces while waiting for their superstar tantrums. Still buzzing from that digital underdog win!