In The Zone: Madrid's individual magic proves decisive
jeudi 23 octobre 2025
Résumé de l'article
UEFA Technical Observer Rafa Benítez analyses how the likes of Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler punctured Juventus' resistance.
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"The way to attack a line of five is with individual ability." That was the view of UEFA Technical Observer Rafa Benítez following Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Juventus on Wednesday.
On a night when Juventus defended deep with three centre-backs and shut down space well, Madrid needed sparks of individual brilliance to open them up – as we explore in the following analysis, brought to you by FedEx.
The video above features two examples of this: first the jinking run and shot by Vinícius Júnior which led to Jude Bellingham's winning goal, then the fantastic footwork by Kylian Mbappé which set up a shooting opportunity for Éder Militão.
To begin with match winner Bellingham, he received rich praise from Xabi Alonso for a "complete game", the Madrid coach citing "his ability to finish and create chances at the top of the pitch but having him, too, winning the ball deeper and driving play forward".
"When space is tight, you need the ability of individuals to make a difference."
Arda's control and confidence
Both clips above also display the work of Player of the Match Arda Güler, who operated in a 'quarterback' role for the home side. "When he participates in the play, we have a better dynamic," said Alonso of a player who, speaking to Movistar+, described his job as "control of the tempo [and] a little bit of creativity".
Former Madrid coach Benítez added of the young, ball-hungry midfielder: "He was very good with deliveries at set pieces, but I'd say he was especially impressive for his confidence to receive the ball, to be always around, looking for the right pass. It's about his confidence and quality with his passing."
Coaching reflection – Benítez on why Madrid's individual brilliance mattered
"When the opposition are compact and well-organised in a low block with five at the back, you don't have too much space to run in behind so you have to be very precise with your passes and one of the main things is the ability of individuals in one v one situations, as with Vini Jr and Mbappé in these clips. When you have defenders covering each other, one v ones are a key option for creating imbalance in the defence. When space is tight, you need the ability of individuals to make a difference."
UEFA Technical Observer Rafa Benítez made his name by winning two league championships and the UEFA Cup with Valencia in the early 2000s before steering Liverpool to a famous victory in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final. He subsequently won the 2012/13 UEFA Europa League at Chelsea.
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