Real Madrid Reinforce Defense and Tactical Setup to Neutralize Lamine Yamal Threat

Los Blancos target Barça prodigy Lamine Yamal with tactical changes and strategic signings ahead of next season’s Clásicos.

Real Madrid are preparing a two-pronged strategy to contain Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona sensation who has repeatedly tormented them in El Clásico clashes. The club has responded to his growing influence by both strengthening its defense and adjusting its tactical approach under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

Yamal’s Dominance in Clásicos

Yamal has emerged as a game-changer for Barcelona in recent seasons, especially against their arch-rivals. In four Clásico appearances, the Spanish international has scored three goals and provided two assists, making a decisive impact in every encounter.

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid failed to contain Yamal’s attacking brilliance, tipping the competitive balance in favor of Barcelona. With Alonso now at the helm, Real Madrid aims to rewrite that narrative.

Tactical Shift Under Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso is expected to adopt a more flexible defensive structure, including a three-at-the-back formation that places Aurélien Tchouaméni as a central defender. This formation allows wingbacks to track players like Yamal more aggressively while maintaining midfield solidity.

The setup is not new in Europe teams like Inter Milan have tried similar tactics but Real Madrid are confident that Alonso’s tailored execution can make a difference against Barcelona’s youthful attack.

Defensive Reinforcements: Huijsen and Carreras Arrive

In addition to tactical changes, Madrid have targeted the “Lamine zone” with two key signings:

• Dean Huijsen (ex-Bournemouth), a left-footed defender capable of slotting into both central and wide roles, and
• Álvaro Carreras, signed from Benfica, who has previous experience defending against Yamal.

Carreras is known for his tight marking, speed, and physical duels, and has already limited Yamal’s impact in previous encounters. He is expected to start at left-back in high-pressure matches, while Huijsen will provide cover deeper in defense.

Clásico Showdown Looms

With Barcelona relying on Lamine Yamal as a creative spark, Real Madrid’s approach heading into the 2025/26 season is clear: stop Yamal, and you slow down Barcelona. The next Clásico will be the first real test of Alonso’s revamped system and whether Carreras and Huijsen can deliver where others have failed.