The scene was set for a narrative rich in irony: Kylian Mbappe facing his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, for the first time since his high-profile move to Real Madrid. The occasion was the Club World Cup semifinals. The outcome? An emphatically less-than-ideal 4-0 defeat for Madrid, in which Mbappe himself was notably subdued.
Fresh off a bout of gastroenteritis, this was Mbappe`s first start of the tournament. Unfortunately, it coincided with a tactical reshuffle forced upon manager Xabi Alonso by suspensions and injuries. Without key players like Dean Huijsen (suspended) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (injured), Alonso deployed a more traditional 4-4-2 formation. This setup placed Mbappe alongside Gonzalo Garcia and, perhaps predictably, made it considerably easier for PSG to control the match and limit Madrid`s attacking threats.
Mbappe, typically a whirlwind of activity, managed a mere 27 touches throughout the game, translating into just four shots, only one of which tested the goalkeeper. His fellow forward, Vinicius Jr., experienced a similarly frustrating afternoon with only 21 touches. It was starkly apparent why Real Madrid struggled to find the net. The tactical shape bore an unfortunate resemblance to setups used by Carlo Ancelotti last season that, while effective against lower-ranked teams, often faltered when facing elite opposition.
A System in Need of Revival
Real Madrid`s earlier successes in the tournament had come when operating with a more dynamic hybrid 4-4-2 diamond or a 3-5-2 system. These formations proved far more effective in unleashing the attacking capabilities of players like Francisco Garcia and Trent Alexander-Arnold from wider positions, with Aurelien Tchouameni providing defensive ballast as needed. The wing-backs, in particular, generated a wealth of chances, fueling Madrid`s push through the earlier rounds. This approach mirrors the successful tactics Alonso employed at Bayer Leverkusen and had represented a genuine breath of fresh air for Real Madrid.
Indeed, under this new tactical framework, players like Francisco Garcia, who had previously seemed closer to the exit door, were given a fresh opportunity to prove their worth and fight for a place in the squad.
However, when forced back into a traditional back four, the team`s vulnerabilities became apparent. The vital link between defense and attack was severed, and the entire operation felt stale and predictable. Looking ahead, this specific problem may be less frequent. The PSG loss saw the first appearances of key defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao in the tournament, both returning from significant injuries that ended their previous season prematurely. Their reintegration will be crucial for reclaiming the La Liga title.
Furthermore, while Antonio Rudiger showed a rare moment of vulnerability against PSG, the overall defensive depth at center-back – with options like Huijsen, Raul Asencio, and even Tchouameni able to deputize – provides Alonso with flexibility. Any individual slip-ups can be addressed, allowing the manager to maintain the tactical shape that benefits the team most.
The Key to Unleashing the Potential
These potential changes in personnel and the ability to consistently employ the preferred tactical system are precisely why the quiet evening against PSG shouldn`t be seen as a sign of things to come for Kylian Mbappe. While he and Vini Jr. may have occupied similar areas in the restrictive 4-4-2, that becomes less of an issue when the team is structured to feed them effectively.
Consider the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold. He is globally recognized for his ability to deliver precise, line-splitting passes that can dissect even the most organized defenses. The prospect of him consistently supplying a player with Mbappe`s pace, movement, and deadly finishing ability is, frankly, a mouthwatering one for Madridistas.
Mbappe has a proven track record as a phenomenal goalscorer, having netted 43 goals and provided five assists in his previous campaign elsewhere. This demonstrates his clinical edge when provided with the right service and space. With Alexander-Arnold orchestrating from deep, Carvajal adding attacking threat on the other flank, and the team operating in a system designed for rapid transitions and exploiting wide areas, Mbappe will find the opportunities that were absent against PSG.
The loss to PSG was a valuable, albeit painful, lesson in tactical rigidity. It highlighted the importance of Real Madrid being able to deploy the system that truly unlocks their attacking potential. As key players return and Alonso gains more flexibility, expect to see the dynamic, chance-creating Madrid system become the norm. And when that happens, Kylian Mbappe, the world-class finisher, will be perfectly positioned to capitalize, making that 50-goal milestone not just a possibility, but a distinct probability this season.
