In the UEFA Champions League final on May 19, 2024, Eden Hazard came off the bench to score the winning goal for Real Madrid against Manchester City. The Belgian winger's goal in the 86th minute secured Madrid's 14th European title and brought jubilation to their fans. In this article, we will analyze the tactical execution that led to Hazard's decisive strike.
Before his substitution in the 75th minute, Hazard had been nursing a slight injury. Manager Zinedine Zidane, however, kept him as an option on the bench, knowing his potential to change the game. With the match tied at 1-1, Zidane decided to bring on Hazard for Marco Asensio, who had been struggling to make an impact. This substitution marked a shift in Madrid's formation and approach.
Asensio had started the game on the right side of a 4-3-3 formation, with Vinicius Junior on the left and Karim Benzema as the central striker. However, when Hazard came on, Zidane switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Hazard playing behind Benzema as an attacking midfielder. Vinicius moved to the right flank, while Federico Valverde partnered Luka Modric in central midfield.
This change in formation added more attacking options for Madrid, with Hazard's creativity and dribbling ability freeing up space for Benzema and Vinicius. The two wingers could now switch flanks and interchange positions, making it harder for City's defenders to mark them. Moreover, with Valverde and Modric providing defensive cover in midfield, Madrid could afford to push up higher and put more pressure on City's backline.
City, on the other hand, had been playing a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the match, with Kevin De Bruyne as their attacking midfielder. However, as the match wore on, they became increasingly cautious, trying to protect their lead and hit Madrid on the counter-attack. They brought on an extra defensive midfielder in the 80th minute, replacing Raheem Sterling with Rodri.
This defensive shift allowed Madrid to dominate possession and play higher up the pitch. They created several chances, with Benzema hitting the post and Vinicius forcing a good save from City goalkeeper Ederson. It was only a matter of time before Hazard made his mark on the game.
In the 86th minute, Benzema picked up the ball in midfield and played a diagonal pass to Vinicius on the right wing. Vinicius cut inside and played a through ball to Hazard, who had made a clever run into the box. Hazard took a touch to control the ball and then smashed it past Ederson with his left foot.
The goal was a testament to Hazard's skill and composure, but it was also a result of Madrid's tactical execution. Zidane's decision to bring on Hazard and switch to a more attacking formation had given Madrid the impetus they needed to win the game. City's defensive caution had played into their hands, allowing them to create more chances and ultimately score the winning goal.
In conclusion, Hazard's winning strike was not just a moment of individual brilliance, but a product of tactical awareness and execution. Zidane's decision to bring him on and change the formation proved crucial in giving Madrid the edge over City. It was a fitting end to a thrilling Champions League campaign, and a reminder that in football, as in life, sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.