Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa is weighing a tactical shift ahead of the Champions League clash with Manchester City, with a five-man midfield under serious consideration for the first leg.
According to reports from Valdebebas, Arbeloa is studying a more compact structure designed to limit City’s control in possession while leaving space to counterattack. The plan could see both Eduardo Camavinga and academy midfielder Thiago Pitarch included in the starting XI.
The idea behind the adjustment is clear: crowd the midfield, reduce passing lanes for Pep Guardiola’s side, and force turnovers in central areas before transitioning quickly.
In this setup, Vinicius Jr. would operate as the lone forward. The Brazilian’s pace would be used to attack open space behind City’s defensive line once Madrid regain the ball.
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