“I Know How to Beat Them – If Ancelotti Wants to Win, He Must Do These Two Things”: Arne Slot Breaks Down How Real Madrid Can Knock Out Arsenal
Incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot may not be coaching in this year’s Champions League quarterfinals, but he’s thrown his tactical two cents into the high-stakes showdown between Real Madrid and Arsenal. In a recent press conference, Slot confidently outlined what Carlo Ancelotti must do to get past Mikel Arteta’s side at the Bernabéu.
“I know the tactics to use to win this people,” Slot said. “If Ancelotti wants to beat them at the Bernabéu, he must do these two things.”
1. Break Arsenal’s Midfield Control
Slot believes Arsenal’s engine room—Ødegaard, Rice, and Jorginho—is the team’s heartbeat.
“Those players will kill you if they dictate the tempo,” Slot warned. “You must press Ødegaard especially—don’t let him turn or make that killer pass.”
He advised Real Madrid to apply calculated pressure in the midfield—intense enough to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm, but controlled enough to avoid being exposed during transitions.
2. Attack the Space Behind Arsenal’s Fullbacks
Slot also pointed to a tactical weakness he’s observed in Arteta’s setup.
“Their fullbacks push up too high at times. If you’re fast and precise, you’ll find space behind them,” he explained. “Vinícius Jr. is perfect for this. If Ancelotti gets the timing right, that’s where Real Madrid can hurt them.”
According to Slot, Arsenal’s defense becomes stretched and vulnerable when forced into quick recoveries—something Madrid’s pacey attackers can exploit.
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Slot’s comments come ahead of the decisive second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, with everything still to play for after a tightly contested first leg.
With experience facing Arteta’s tactics during his Feyenoord tenure, Slot’s insights carry weight—whether Ancelotti listens or not.
One thing is clear: with two tactical masterminds on the touchline and a semifinal spot up for grabs, the stage is set for a blockbuster at the Bernabéu.
