A look at the real tactics behind Carlo Ancelotti's latest masterclass with Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund in the UCL final.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid reinforced their status as kings of Europe by claiming a 15th Champions League crown after a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley.
While the scoreline suggests a comfortable win, Ancelotti's men were made to work for their latest piece of European silverware by a tenacious Dortmund side on Saturday night.
*PAY ATTENTION*: Join Pulse Sports Nigeria Whatsapp Channel Channel link
01:00 - 02.06.2024
Real Madrid show Borussia Dortmund who is boss as late Carvajal and Vinicius goals deliver Champions League glory
Real Madrid made it a record-extending 15th European title as they survived an early onslaught from Borussia Dortmund to win their 15th Champions League title.
The German outfit raced out of the blocks and could have been ahead by a couple of goals at halftime, with Karim Adeyemi tormenting the Madrid backline.
However, the experience and pedigree of the Spanish giants shone through as they regrouped and struck twice in the second half through Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.
Ancelotti, a master tactician, admitted his side's first-half struggles were down to Dortmund's constant threat on the counter. But the wily Italian made the necessary adjustments at halftime, tweaking his approach to nullify the threats while allowing Madrid's superstar attack to take centre stage.
As Ancelotti and his players celebrated a 5th Champions League win together, it was a masterclass in game management, tactical flexibility, and big-game mentality that ultimately saw Real Madrid reign supreme once again on Europe's grandest stage.
Pulse Sports Nigeria takes a closer look at the key tactics that underpinned their latest continental conquest:
1. Experience and History
Real Madrid's pedigree in the Champions League is unmatched, with 14 previous titles to their name heading into the clash.
While it looked anything but that in the opening 45 minutes, Ancelotti and his players drew from this vast experience and big-game mentality, keeping their composure when Dortmund threatened.
Ultimately, it was Real Madrid's unshakable belief and experience in these big Champions League occasions that proved decisive. While Dortmund wilted under the pressure, Madrid's big-game players stood tall when it mattered most.
2. Calmness Under Pressure
While Dortmund raced out of the blocks, Madrid remained calm and patient led by the master Ancelotti on the dugout, trusting in their ability to weather the storm.
Their measured approach paid dividends in the second half when Dortmund's intensity dropped and Los Blancos took over.
The moment Carvajal headed home the opener, you knew that was the game done and dusted as Real Madrid looked more comfortable thereafter.
3. Tactical Adjustment
As Ancelotti admitted, his initial game plan wasn't working, with Dortmund's constant counterattacks causing problems in the first half.
Having noticed that his side lost the ball a lot in that first 45, a tactical tweak at halftime saw Madrid switch to a more containment-based approach, cutting off the supply line to Dortmund's attackers.
Having taken the lead, Madrid's experience kicked in again as they adeptly managed the game, keeping possession and forcing Dortmund to chase the ball. Ancelotti's substitutions also helped see out the victory.
With a perfectly timed tactical adjustment, and a calm and composed approach backed with experience and history, Ancelotti masterminded yet another Champions League victory for the kings of European football.
Related content
01:00 - 02.06.2024
Real Madrid show Borussia Dortmund who is boss as late Carvajal and Vinicius goals deliver Champions League glory
Real Madrid made it a record-extending 15th European title as they survived an early onslaught from Borussia Dortmund to win their 15th Champions League title.
11:09 - 02.06.2024
Real Madrid's financial windfall: Calculating the Champions League victory bonanza
This article outlines an approximation of how much Real Madrid could get from their 15th Champions League triumph.
23:57 - 01.06.2024
She fancies you — Bellingham gets Mourinho to take picture with his mother
Real Madrid's ace Jude Bellingham introduced Jose Mourinho to his mother, who 'fancies' him.
23:55 - 01.06.2024
UCL: Carlo Ancelotti makes Champions League history after Real Madrid’s win over Borussia Dortmund
The Italian manager claimed yet another continental title after Los Blancos triumphed over BVB.
23:17 - 01.06.2024
Carlo Ancelotti gives 3 reasons why Real Madrid beat Dortmund to win 15th UCL title
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti highlighted the reason Los Blancos are so successful in the Champions League.
23:09 - 01.06.2024
They don't sell philosophies — Mourinho explains why Real Madrid are dominant in Champions League
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho explained why Real Madrid are so dominant in the Champions League.
22:17 - 01.06.2024
Ten Hag failed Sancho — Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho commented on Jadon Sancho's Manchester United situation.
22:00 - 01.06.2024
Dortmund crumble under Wembley lights as Ballon d'Or favourite seals UCL trophy for Real Madrid
Goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior ensured Real Madrid won their record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League trophy with a 2-0 win at Wembley.
20:33 - 01.06.2024
UCL Final: Jay Z storms Wembley to support Vinicius Jr with ₦499 MILLION Patek watch
Jay Z’s Patek watch worth almost half a billion naira stole the spotlight before kick off at Wembley.
15:59 - 01.06.2024
Dance however you want — Henry lauds Vinicius for fight against racism
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry sings Vinicius's praises ahead of Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
14:23 - 01.06.2024
Lenny Kravitz: 7 things to know about singer before UEFA Champions League final performance
Lenny Kravitz, the iconic musician, is set to headline the opening ceremony of the UEFA Champions League final. Here are some interesting facts about him.
09:35 - 01.06.2024
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund major Champions League battles
As Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund face off in the Champions League final, here are some of the famous battles between the two teams down the years.