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Come Fan with UsSaturday, July 4, 2026

Real Madrid Vs. Sporting Gijon: Los Merengues Go 3-5-2

In an attempt to push forward and get a goal, Real Madrid have shifted to a true 3-5-2 formation with the wing backs having minimal defensive responsibilities. Or, maybe it just looks like that because Madrid always have the ball. In any event, Sergio Canales and Pepe have entered the game for Angel Di Maria and Alvaro Arbeloa. Sami Khedira has become the left wing back, while Lassana Diarra acts as a holding midfielder behind Canales and Mesut Özil.

Obviously, this setup is risky. Madrid could very easily get caught out and punished. It seems unlikely with the way that Sporting Gijon have been playing so far, but you never know. Obviously, it’s hard to blame Mourinho for throwing caution to the wind. This is an absolute must-win game for his team, and a draw does them little to no good. They’re five points behind Barcelona, and they need to make up that gap.

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