Alvaro Arbeloa revealed the detailed tactical plan that helped Real Madrid secure a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The Spanish coach highlighted how his team closely studied Pep Guardiola’s side to neutralize their strengths.
“We knew very well how Man City plays, how Pep plays and what they always try to achieve,” the Real Madrid coach initially said after the match.
“We did our analysis… We tried to close off a lot of the angles and passing spaces, and not to jump into pressure randomly, because that’s what they’re looking for.”
He added that the key was discipline in not over-committing: “So that you can come out to face the ball carrier and they can find the space behind you.”
Arbeloa also hit back at Real Madrid’s doubters ahead of their 3-0 win over City, revealing how external negativity motivated his team to deliver a dominant performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“The feelings we were getting from outside were not very encouraging for this team. We have proven that WE ARE REAL MADRID,” concluded Arbeloa.