Analysis: How Real Madrid’s Passivity Allows Opponents To Thrive

Real Madrid's passive style of play has proven detrimental to the team, allowing opponents to capitalize on their defensive lapses. When out of possession, adversaries seize the opportunity to regain momentum and potentially alter the game's outcome. This passivity is evident in various game states, but most pronounced when Real Madrid are leading.

Their possession drops from 58% to 49.8%, forcing opponents to react and attempt to regain control. Despite the same xG, crosses, and shots in winning and drawing scenarios, accuracy improves due to the team's positive mindset, reducing stress on individual players. The number of counterattacks nearly doubles during neutral phases, as Real Madrid relinquishes possession, shifts deeper, and relies on pacey forwards like Mbappé and Vinicius Junior.

Additionally, there's an uptick in long passes (6.5% when leading) and a higher passes-per-defensive-action rate (18.5), indicating a more reactive approach. This tendency to play defensively, especially when trailing or drawing, has been a recurring theme throughout Real Madrid's recent campaigns. The Metropolitano proved to be a challenging test for the team, with José Mourinho's strategy of quickly achieving a positive game state and holding onto the lead failing to yield the desired results.

Atlético Madrid's dominance, particularly in neutral game states and while conceding players, proved lethal. The red card for Real Madrid further exemplifies the team's lackadaisical approach to the game, ultimately sealing their fate against Atlético.