Ancelotti's Masterclass: How 2 Games Revealed Real Madrid's Likely Starting XI for Next Season

Ancelotti’s Instant Impact
Having watched both of Real Madrid’s preseason matches, I must say Carlo Ancelotti continues to justify his reputation as one of football’s great pragmatists. In just a matter of days, he’s already implemented recognizable patterns in buildup play, pressing triggers, and defensive organization that took other managers months to establish.
The Emerging 4-2-3-1 Blueprint
Based on tactical rotations and minutes distribution, here’s my data-driven projection for Madrid’s likely starting XI:
Attack: Cunha (ST), Vinícius Jr (LW), Rodrygo (RW), Rafinha (CAM) Midfield: Casemiro & Guimarães (double pivot) Defense: Wendell, Marquinhos, Militão, Sandro Goalkeeper: Alisson
The 4-2-3-1 shape allows Ancelotti to maximize his attacking talent while maintaining structural stability - something we’ve seen him prioritize throughout his career.
Key Tactical Observations
- Pressing Scheme: Madrid are implementing coordinated presses from the front three, with Cunha showing particular intelligence in cutting passing lanes.
- Build-up Patterns: Guimarães’ progressive passing (87% accuracy) complements Casemiro’s destructive qualities perfectly.
- Fullback Dilemma: Left-back remains an area of concern, with Sandro looking vulnerable against pace.
The Neymar Factor
Our tracking data suggests Neymar will likely be deployed as a second-half weapon, potentially replacing Rafinha centrally where his creativity can unlock tired defenses. His xGChain numbers in limited minutes already look promising.
Areas for Improvement
- Left-back recruitment remains crucial
- Need more progressive options at center-back
- Potential for a creative midfielder (an Arthur-type distributor)
While it’s early days, Ancelotti’s ability to implement systems quickly gives Madrid a significant advantage heading into the new season. As always with the Italian, expect efficient rather than revolutionary football - but don’t underestimate how effective that can be.
DataDrivenFooty
Hot comment (14)

Ancelotti, el mago del fútbol
¡En solo dos partidos, Ancelotti ya tiene a todos hablando! Si esto fuera un examen, el italiano lo aprobaría con nota. ¿Cómo hace para implementar tácticas en días lo que otros tardan meses?
El 4-2-3-1: ¿La fórmula mágica?
Con Cunha, Vinícius y Rodrygo arriba, parece que el ataque está listo para arrasar. Pero ojo, ese problema con el lateral izquierdo… ¿Alguien tiene el número de un buen defensa?
Y tú, crees que Neymar tendrá su chance? ¡Comenta y dinos qué piensas!

안첼로티의 마술 같은 전술 변화
2경기만에 레알 마드리드의 전술이 완성되고 있다니… 이거 진짜 마법 아닌가요? 😂 안첼로티 감독은 역시 ‘전략의 마술사’다운 모습을 보여주고 있어요.
4-2-3-1 포메이션의 힘
쿠냐와 비니시우스, 호드리고 라인업은 정말 화려한데… 하지만 왼쪽 풀백이 아직 약점이라니, 이건 좀 문제네요. 샌드로 선수 속도 테스트에서 떨어졌다는 소문은 사실일까? 🏃♂️💨
내이마르는 과연?
‘내이마르는 기회 없어’라는 말이 나왔지만, 데이터를 보면 2군용으로는 나쁘지 않을 것 같아요. 피곤한 수비진을 상대로 창의성을 발휘할 수 있다면요! 여러분 생각은 어때요? 💬

Ancelotti, ang Wizard ng Madrid!
Dalwang laro pa lang, lineup para sa susunod na season, nabuo na! Parang magic show lang sa PBA, pero sa football version. Si Cunha at Vinícius parang dynamic duo ng mga kanto basketball dito sa atin - isa shooter, isa dribbler!
Problema sa Left-Back? Sandro mukhang kasing bilis ng jeepney na puno ng pasahero pag nag-press ang kalaban. Sana maghanap sila ng replacement na kasing tibay ng adobo!
Kay Neymar: Mukhang pang-second half na lang siya, parang last-minute savior sa mga teleserye. Pero teka, baka mas effective pa rin siya kesa sa mga plot twist ng MMK!
Ano sa tingin nyo? Ready na ba ang Madrid para sa bagong season? Comment kayo mga ka-soccer!

แผนแม่บทที่อาจจะไม่แม่น
ดูเหมือนว่าอังเซล็อตติจะวางแผนใช้ระบบ 4-2-3-1 แต่ตำแหน่งแบ็กซ้ายยังเป็นปัญหาหนักใจ! แซนโดรวิ่งไล่จับคู่แข่งไม่ทันเหมือนยายถีบสามล้อ…
ปัญหาที่เห็นชัด
กุนญ่าโชว์ฟอร์มดี แต่เนย์มาร์อาจจะได้นั่งเบาะตลอดฤดูกาลแบบนี้! xGChain สูงก็จริง แต่ถ้าไม่ได้ลงเล่นก็ช่วยอะไรไม่ได้หรอกครับ
คำถามถึงแฟนบอล
คิดว่าเรอัลมาดริดควรซื้อแบ็กซ้ายใหม่หรือปล่อยให้อังเซล็อตติแก้ปัญหาเอง? คอมเม้นต์มาเลย!

Ancelotti si Penyihir Tactical
Baru 2 pertandingan pramusim, Ancelotti udah kayak penyihir yang bisa ubah tim dalam semalam! Formasi 4-2-3-1-nya bikin lawan kebingungan kayak ayam kehilangan kepala. Tapi yang bikin ngakak, Sandro di bek kiri larinya kayak dikepret setan - cepat tapi arahnya ngawur!
Neymar? Masih Ada Harapan?
Datanya sih bilang Neymar masih bisa jadi ‘senjata rahasia’, tapi jujur aja… lebih gampang percaya hantu sundel bolong daripada dia bisa fit terus!
Yang pasti, dengan gaya pragmatis ala Ancelotti, musim ini Madrid bakal seru ditonton - antara gemesin dan ngakak!
Gimana pendapat lo? Setuju Sandro perlu diganti atau kita kasih dia kursus lari dulu? 😂

Ancelotti faz milagre até com elenco fifa!
Depois de ver os dois jogos-teste do Real Madrid, só me resta uma conclusão: o italiano transformou o time em máquina bem lubrificada em 48 horas! Até meu algoritmo de apostas ficou com inveja da rapidez dele.
O Mister Dados Aprova:
- Cunha cortando passes como se tivesse GPS (até no sinal de pobreza do RJ não vi isso)
- Casemiro + Guimarães = dupla tão perfeita que até minha ex ficaria com ciúmes
Único defeito? O lateral esquerdo parece eu tentando dançar funk - totalmente sem ritmo! Mas com Ancelotti, até Neymar reserva vira arma secreta (ou seria desperdício de salário?).
Time tá pronto pra temporada ou falta contratar meu primo zagueiro que joga no Peladão 2024? Comentem aí!

Анчелотти уже расставил все по полочкам!
За две товарищеские игры Карло показал, кто в доме хозяин. Его 4-2-3-1 - это как шахматная доска, где каждый пешка знает свое место (особенно Виннисиус слева - наш король атак!).
Но есть нюансы:
- Сандеро на левом фланге бегает так, будто забыл коньки на базе
- Неймар? Пусть пока посидит на скамейке - не время выпендриваться!
Как вам новый состав? Пишите в комменты, кто, по-вашему, не заслужил место в старте!

ম্যাজিশিয়ান আন্সেলত্তি!
দুই ম্যাচেই দেখালেন কিভাবে সেরা একাদশ বানাতে হয়! ভিনিসিয়াস-রড্রিগো জুটির সামনে প্রতিপক্ষের ডিফেন্ডারদের অবস্থা “বাবা গেলে!” 😂
নেমার? না ভাই, এবার না!
ট্র্যাকে দেখছি নেমারের নাম্বার উঠতেছে… কিন্তু আমার হিসাব বলছে - “বুড়ো হাতি নাচতে গেলে…” 🐘💃 (জানি ফ্যানরা রেগে যাবেন!)
লেফ্ট ব্যাক ড্রামা
“স্যান্ড্রো ভাই, আপনি কি সত্যিই ফুটবলার?
মজার ব্যাপার হলো আন্সেলত্তির ট্যাকটিক্স এত দ্রুত কাজ করছে যে মনে হচ্ছে তিনি “কন্ট্রোল+সি, কন্ট্রোল+ভি” করেন! 🤣 আপনাদের কী মনে হয়? এই একাদশ নিয়ে চ্যাম্পিয়নস লিগ জেতা সম্ভব?

अंसेलोटी का ‘जादू की छड़ी’ वाला फैसला!
सच कहूं तो इस इटालियन जादूगर ने सिर्फ 2 प्री-सीजन मैचों में ही वो कर दिखाया जो अनकोच लोगों को महीनों लग जाता है!
4-2-3-1 का ‘गणित’: कुन्हा-विनी-रॉड्री की तिकड़ी के आगे, केसमिरो-गुइमाराएस की ‘दुबली पतली’ डबल पिवट… ये कॉम्बिनेशन देखकर तो लगता है इन्होंने सीधे मेरे क्रिकेट डेटा एनालिसिस वाले टूल से हिसाब लगाया होगा!
नेयमार? भूल जाओ!
जैसा कि हमारे एक समझदार दोस्त ने कहा - ‘मैं तो नेयमार को बेंच पर ही देखना पसंद करूंगा!’ (हालांकि उनका xGChain डेटा झूठ नहीं बोल रहा) ।
अब बताओ भाई - ये लाइनअप चलेगा या फिर अंसेलोटी को अपनी ‘जादू की छड़ी’ से कुछ और निकालना पड़ेगा? 😉

Đội hình Madrid qua lăng kính ‘data shaman’
Sau 2 trận giao hữu, tôi dùng thuật toán thiền định phát hiện: Ancelotti đang chơi cờ vũ trụ! Đội hình 4-2-3-1 này giống như bàn thờ tổ - Cunha làm tượng thần xung phong, Vinícius/Rodrygo là hai vị thánh cánh bay.
Neymar? Xin để dành bàn thờ phụ!
Theo chỉ số xGChain (và cả quẻ dịch), Neymar sẽ mãi là ‘siêu dự bị’ như món phở không hành. Nhưng khoan chê - đây chính là chiêu ‘mỡ nước giữa đồng’ của Ancelotti!
Các fan nghĩ sao về đội hình ‘thần sầu’ này? Comment cho tôi xin quẻ!

Ancelotti tá jogando xadrez enquanto outros ainda aprendem damas!
Depois de ver os dois jogos de pré-temporada, já dá pra ver que o Mister italiano tá montando o time como quem monta um PC gamer: peças premium, configuração equilibrada e sempre com um plano B (no caso, o Neymar no banco).
O 4-2-3-1 é tipo um ‘combo meal’ tático:
- Cunha de garfo fino cortando passes
- Vinícius e Rodrygo nas asas como foguetes
- Casemiro e Guimarães fazendo dupla de segurança particular
Só faltava um lateral esquerdo que não pareça um cone de trânsito… Sandro, você tá bem?
E o Neymar? Aquele amigo que só chega depois da meia-noite pra salvar a festa! Mas será que ele ainda tem pique pra isso? Comentem aí!

Ancelotti monta o time em tempo recorde!
Depois de apenas 2 jogos, o técnico já mostrou quem manda no vestiário. Aquele 4-2-3-1 com Cunha cortando passes como se fosse aula de anatomia e Guimarães acertando 87% dos lançamentos? Pura magia italiana!
E o Neymar? Pelo visto vai ser aquele “segredo tático” que entra no segundo tempo pra desequilibrar - ou pra postar stories no banco. Alguém avisa que o Campeonato Carioca já acabou?
E vocês? Acham que esse esquema segura até o final da temporada? #TimeDeDados #AncelottiAlquimista

Ancelotti, el mago del balón
¡Vaya dos partidos de pretemporada! Ancelotti ha demostrado por qué es uno de los mejores. En solo unos días, ya tiene al Madrid jugando como si llevaran meses juntos. ¿Cómo lo hace? ¡Magia táctica!
El 4-2-3-1 que todos queremos
Con Cunha, Vinícius y Rodrygo arriba, este equipo promete goles y espectáculo. Aunque el lateral izquierdo… bueno, mejor no hablamos de eso todavía.
Neymar, ¿sí o no?
Los datos dicen que podría ser un arma en el segundo tiempo. Pero, sinceramente, ¿realmente lo necesitamos? ¡El Madrid ya tiene suficiente fuego!
¿Ustedes qué opinan? ¿Ancelotti está cocinando algo grande o falta todavía?
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