Real Madrid 1-2 Chelsea: UEFA Women's Champions League Tactical Analysis

The Chelsea women’s team has had a blistering start to the season under new head coach Sonia Bompastor. The Blues remain undefeated, winning all matches except for a 1-1 draw with Leicester City last weekend, where they dominated proceedings but failed to secure a victory.

Traveling to Madrid for the Champions League was always going to be a difficult task. Despite an early setback, Chelsea grew into the game and clinched a 2-1 victory. This analysis delves into the tactics on display during the match.

Defensive Tactics: A Man-to-Man Approach

The five minutes leading up to Real Madrid’s opening goal were particularly interesting from a defensive perspective, with both managers employing structured setups. Chelsea, out of possession, adopted an aggressive man-to-man marking system. Real Madrid built up in a 4-1-4-1 shape, and the Blues responded by man-marking every player. Even the right center-back, Nathalie Bjorn, stepped up to mark opposition players between the lines.

The center forward, Mayra Ramirez, pressed the home team's goalkeeper while curving her run to simultaneously shadow the left center-back. Chelsea maintained this man-to-man strategy consistently, even when Madrid shifted their build-up shape to alternatives like 4-2-4.

Madrid’s Direct Approach Breaks the Deadlock

The Blues' high press troubled Madrid’s attempts to play short passes during the initial phases. Madrid, struggling to connect through Chelsea’s coordinated press, opted for direct play. This decision paid off. From a goal kick, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Maria, played long toward their tall striker, Signe Bruun, who held off Chelsea captain Millie Bright and laid the ball off to a teammate. Madrid then pieced together a short passing sequence, exploiting minor lapses in Chelsea’s man-to-man system.

The movement and cohesion displayed by Madrid culminated in a goal for Caroline Weir, who found space in the penalty area to shoot past Hannah Hampton.

Chelsea’s Mid-Block and Defensive Transitions

In the middle third, the visitors deployed a compact 4-4-2 shape, while Madrid alternated between a 4-2-4 and more fluid arrangements. Madrid’s tactics featured advanced full-backs, narrow wingers occupying half-spaces, and dynamic striker rotations. Their shape created overloads in wide areas, with the full-backs holding maximum width in advanced positions.

Chelsea’s defensive intensity was noteworthy. Although they sat in a mid-block for much of the first half, backward passes from Madrid would trigger Chelsea’s transition into man-to-man pressing. While this strategy allowed the Blues to force turnovers, occasional errors in execution created opportunities for Madrid to exploit.

Chelsea’s In-Possession Fluidity

In possession, Bompastor's team displayed exceptional fluidity. Full-backs advanced frequently, with the left-back often higher than the right-back. The midfield trio constantly rotated, causing the shape to resemble a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 depending on player positioning. Wingers alternated between holding maximum width and tucking inside, depending on the proximity of their full-back.

The center forward’s freedom to drift wide allowed central midfielders to make late runs into the box. Most of Chelsea’s chances stemmed from wide rotations, leading to crosses or long-range efforts. Bompastor’s coaching has clearly elevated their attacking cohesion to an elite level.

The Penalty Turnaround

Chelsea’s man-to-man pressing approach yielded results. A high turnover during Madrid’s build-up led to a throw-in situation that eventually resulted in a penalty. Catarina Macario converted the spot-kick to equalize. Later, another high turnover prompted by Chelsea’s press led to a handball from Olga Carmona in the penalty area. Chelsea capitalized on this with a second penalty, which ultimately secured their victory.

A Tactical Shift to Protect the Lead

With a 2-1 advantage, Bompastor adjusted her side's game plan to protect the lead. Chelsea ceded possession and focused on counter-attacking transitions. Despite this shift, they maintained their pressing intensity, especially in wide areas, to disrupt Madrid’s attempts to build momentum.

Real Madrid increased their aggression, pressing Chelsea in a man-to-man setup to force turnovers. However, the Blues' disciplined defensive shape limited Madrid to just one shot on target in the second half - a long-range effort comfortably saved by Berger.

Conclusion

Chelsea’s victory over a top European competitor highlights their growing momentum under Bompastor. Even on an evening where they were not at their absolute best, they showcased resilience and tactical adaptability.

Bompastor will know there is room for improvement, particularly in defensive rigidity and minimizing set-piece concessions. Yet, this result cements Chelsea’s position as genuine contenders for both domestic and European glory this season. For now, it is one game at a time - an approach that has served them well so far.