5 matches where Zinedine Zidane showed his tactical acumen

#3 vs Atletico Madrid, La Liga 2016-17

Ronaldo celebrates his second

Real Madrid had failed to win in the La Liga against their crosstown rivals for 3 consecutive seasons as they visited the Vincente Calderon. Their task was made harder by the absence of Pepe, Ramos in defence; Casemiro, Kroos in midfield and Benzema up front. However, Zidane had his plans ready.

Nacho and Varane started in defence and Kovacic, Isco in midfield and Vazquez in place of Benzema. Zidane deployed a 4-1-4-1 instead of the routine 4-3-3. While Kovacic shielded the defensive line, Isco played in a free role behind the striker with Vazquez and Bale on wings, while Ronaldo was deployed as a striker.

Deployment of this tactic meant Real Madrid won the midfield battle and cancelled out Atletico's attack. Atletico, apart from the first 5 minutes of second half, didn't get a sniff throughout the game as Real dominated the game.

Isco, Kovacic, Ronaldo and Varane had a field day. Ronaldo's hat-trick meant Real Madrid won 3-0 on the night and it could easily have been more for Los Merengues. Zidane again found out a way even after missing out on some key players for the clash and ensured Real Madrid took a crucial step in their pursuit of the La Liga title. He had just outdone another tactical genius in Simeone with some great tactics of his own.