Real Madrid has discovered a new source of attacking threat on the right side of their formation. In a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid during the Supercopa de España semifinal on Friday, January 9, 2025 (WIB), the combination of Federico Valverde and Rodrygo proved decisive.
Valverde opened the scoring with a free-kick, while Rodrygo sealed the win with his second-half goal. Both players operated predominantly on the right flank, which has emerged as the team’s most dangerous channel in recent matches.
This victory did more than just send Real Madrid to the final. It also highlighted that the tactical adjustments on the right side are beginning to yield tangible results.
Valverde: The Attacking Right-Back
In recent weeks, Valverde has increasingly been deployed as a right-back. Yet, his role is far from conventional. Unlike a traditional full-back, Valverde enjoys the freedom to advance, occupy half-spaces, and even find himself in goal-scoring positions.
His mobility and aggressive play have allowed Madrid to transition the ball more quickly from defense to attack. When the team loses possession, Valverde acts as the first line of defensive cover. Upon regaining the ball, he immediately switches to driving the attack forward.
His free-kick goal against Atletico symbolized the trust placed in the Uruguayan midfielder by the coaching staff. It also underlined his ability to influence the game both defensively and offensively, a quality that adds a new dimension to Madrid’s tactical setup.
Rodrygo Finds His Ideal Space
Ahead of Valverde, Rodrygo has taken on a more clearly defined role as a right winger. Unlike earlier matches where he frequently drifted across the front line, he now focuses on exploiting the spaces between opposing defenders and midfielders.
Rodrygo’s acceleration and diagonal runs have repeatedly forced Atletico’s defenders to react late, creating opportunities for himself and teammates. His goal in the second half came from a simple but highly effective sequence: a fast run, minimal touches, and precise finishing.
This combination is particularly significant given that Rodrygo had previously faced criticism for inconsistent performances. The Supercopa semifinal suggested that his confidence is returning, reinforcing his value as a dynamic attacking outlet.
Tactical Ripple Effect
The impact of Valverde and Rodrygo extends beyond the right flank. When the right side is active, opponents are often forced to shift their defensive block, creating space in central areas for Madrid’s midfielders and forwards to exploit.
Coach Xabi Alonso praised Valverde’s contribution, emphasizing that it goes beyond scoring goals. Alonso highlighted Valverde’s energy and willingness to take risks as key elements in maintaining team balance.
This tactical approach has allowed Madrid to diversify their attack. Traditionally reliant on the left wing as the primary attacking channel, the team can now threaten opponents effectively from both flanks.
A New Solution in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Absence
Interestingly, this right-side transformation has come in the absence of a creative right-back profile like Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is currently sidelined with an injury.
While Trent is known for his precise crossing and distribution from deep, Valverde offers a different approach: more vertical, aggressive, and consistently making runs into the penalty box. This variation makes Madrid less predictable and adds a fresh dimension to their offensive strategy.
Right Flank No Longer Experimental
The Supercopa semifinal demonstrated that Real Madrid’s right side is no longer a zone for experimentation. Valverde and Rodrygo have turned it into a genuine weapon, capable of influencing high-stakes matches.
If their consistency and fitness remain intact, this combination could become a decisive factor for Madrid in their pursuit of trophies this season. The pairing offers both creativity and goal-scoring threat, forcing opponents to respect the right flank as much as the traditional attacking channels.
Looking Ahead: Supercopa Final Against Barcelona
The final against Barcelona will be the next test for this tactical evolution. It will provide an opportunity to see whether the right-side combination can withstand the pressure of a major final and continue to deliver against top-level opposition.
For Madrid, maintaining this balance between defensive solidity and attacking dynamism will be crucial. If Valverde and Rodrygo continue to perform at this level, they could redefine how Real Madrid approaches wide play, giving the team an additional edge in key matches.
Ultimately, the duo’s performances in the Supercopa indicate that Real Madrid may have found a new tactical identity on the right flank, combining defensive responsibility, speed, and incisive attacking play. It’s a development that could influence how opponents prepare for Madrid in the remainder of the season, while giving fans an exciting new dimension to enjoy.
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