SB Nation says Real Madrid’s possession drops from 58% to 49.8% when ahead, while long passes rise from 15.43 to 19.4. The analysis argues that sitting deeper gives opponents more chances to attack and increases Madrid’s possession losses.
The article says Real Madrid had below 50% possession throughout the Atlético Madrid derby, created 0.17 expected goals from open play and generated no counterattacks, citing Wyscout. It says Atlético controlled the attacking half, while a red card left Madrid chasing the game a player down.
The analysis cites a study in the European Journal of Sport Science reporting that, in elite soccer, distance covered while out of possession was 31% higher running, 30% higher at high speed and 7% higher overall than while in possession.
