Carlo Ancelotti Reveals Real Madrid’s Tactical Plan to Target Ederson in Champions League Clash

Real Madrid’s Tactical Approach Against Manchester City

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has disclosed that his side deliberately targeted Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson as a potential weak link during their dramatic Champions League victory on Tuesday night.

Los Blancos pulled off a stunning comeback at the Etihad Stadium, scoring twice in the final minutes after it seemed City had secured the win when Erling Haaland converted an 80th-minute penalty.

Pressing Ederson: Real Madrid’s Key Strategy

Ancelotti explained that Madrid’s game plan involved pressing Ederson aggressively when he had the ball, aiming to force mistakes and create goal-scoring opportunities.

“We looked to press high when Ederson had the ball, and to drop to a mid-block when he didn’t, with the forwards coming inside and our midfielders not looking to push,” Ancelotti stated post-match.

This tactic paid off as Ederson, who made several crucial saves earlier, struggled under pressure. He gave the ball away before Brahim Diaz‘s equalizer and was caught out of position when Jude Bellingham completed the comeback after Vinicius Junior’s lobbed pass.

Pep Guardiola Defends Ederson’s Decision

While Ancelotti’s tactics successfully disrupted City’s build-up play, Pep Guardiola defended his goalkeeper, insisting that mistakes can happen regardless of the approach taken.

“Eddy decided to play a long ball, it was not a good kick and they scored,” Guardiola admitted. “Maybe we play short and they score, and then you say we should have played long. Players take decisions in the moment – sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.”

City now face an uphill battle to overturn the result in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

What do you think?

• Should Guardiola have adjusted his tactics to counter Madrid’s high press?
• Was Ederson at fault, or did Madrid simply capitalize on the moment?

Let us know in the comments!