What We Learned: Takeaways from Real Madrid’s 3-0 Victory over Salzburg
“What we Learned” A new post-game piece from Managing Madrid with key takeaways or narrative shifts following each match. It will be a quick-hitting format: 3-4 clear lessons or learnings, with short intros and focused analysis. Balance between tactical depth and digestibility. Tchouameni the Pillar
Pay attention to the words Xabi Alonso chooses. He deliberately selects terms to describe players or the team, and when he does, you get a sense of his principles—his non-negotiables. The word he used for Tchouameni was “pillar.” As in: the Frenchman is a pillar of the team. For Xabi Alonso, it’s Tchouameni + 10 more.
Fans and media have gone back and forth on Tchouameni—myself included—trying to gauge his long-term status at Madrid. If the past three games are any indication, and we look at Xabi’s actions rather than just his words, then it’s clear Tchouameni will be critically important. His role as a hybrid defensive midfielder who seamlessly morphs into a third center back responsible for distribution has been near-perfect. He can fulfill both roles in the same match without missing a beat.
Ancelotti had a similar affection for him. Deschamps handed him the captain’s armband for France in Mbappe’s absence. Coaches love working with him. Why? He listens. He absorbs. He implements. And he always wants to get better.
“Aurelien has that desire to progress, to improve, to want to be important. He is an essential pillar because of his influence, because of the different roles he can play depending on the position he has to occupy. He constantly has to make small decisions and help the whole team.”
Perhaps Xabi sees a bit of himself in Tchouameni—a leader in the middle of the park who can help implement his ideas.
Never Stagnant, Always ChangingEarlier this week, after the Pachuca match, a Spanish radio journalist said Xabi Alonso was “estaba como loco para poner tres centrales”—or in English, “dying to implement his back-three system.” At Leverkusen, Xabi often started with three at the back but would shift mid-game to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3—and then back again.
That same constant evolution has been a theme through the first three matches. The personnel hasn’t changed dramatically, but the system and positions have shifted in all three games.
Against Al Hilal, it was primarily a 4-3-3 with Vinicius and Rodrygo providing width. Against Pachuca (before the red card), Fede played in an Odegaard-like role on the right but still had freedom to drift centrally, while Trent held the width. It resembled more of a 4-2-3-1 with Arda and Tchouameni as the double 6s. After Asencio’s early red card, the plan had to change again. Alonso adjusted—moving Vinicius centrally and Gonzalo wide to better support the 10-man structure.
Last night, against Salzburg, the shape was predominantly a 3-1-4-2.
Xabi finally got to implement his back-three system, and at times the ball circulation and counter-pressing were a work of art. The 12 previous months were hard on the eyes, but this match featured several encouraging sequences—on both sides of the ball.
Alonso’s vision and in-game evolutions make for fun viewing.
Arda Guler: Brains over PhysicalityThe question around Arda Guler has always been whether he can adapt to a two-way midfield role. On the wing, he lacks the burst most wingers have and sees less of the ball. To earn a spot in the middle, he had to prove he could play both sides of the ball and truly compete.
Bigger tests remain, but so far the Turk is showing he can play in midfield. He’s becoming the facilitator from deep, thanks to his press resistance and composure under pressure.
The pleasant surprise from the Salzburg game? His defensive output. He led the team in ground duels won (8), completed 3 tackles, had 1 interception, and totaled 5 defensive actions (pressing, tackling, covering, intercepting passes).
He was visibly exhausted after 60 minutes. That’s one area he’ll need to improve: fitness levels and learning how to conserve energy when needed.
A big year ahead for Arda Guler.
Truly believe Arda Guler's long-term position is centrally in midfield and away from the right wing. Putting on a show tonight, picking the ball up deep to facilitate build-up. If Luka Modric doesn't renew, let Arda gobble up those minutes next year.
— Matt (@MattW_MM) April 23, 2025Tchouameni anchors the system, Arda earns trust in midfield, Gonzalo keeps rising, and Real Madrid’s tactical shape changes by the match. | Source: Managing Madrid
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