Real Madrid’s cautious, counter-attacking approach and Barcelona’s aggressive style are producing a striking contrast in the 2026/27 season, with each club following a very different tactical and squad-building path.
Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, are continuing the club’s tradition of attacking football, while Real Madrid have moved towards a mid-block and rapid forward transitions under Jose Mourinho.
“I think we're talking about the best attack in Europe this season. On the other hand, there are still defensive problems,” said Flashscore data specialist Marek Kabat of Barcelona.
The Catalan side’s average expected goals (xG) per domestic league match is almost three, the highest figure in Europe and ahead of Bayern and PSG. Although Real Madrid won El Clasico, Barcelona lead the league by three points.
Madrid are adapting to having less possession. The team averaged 61% under Ancelotti and 64% under Xabi Alonso, compared with about 51.5% under Mourinho.
Kabat has also identified the volume of opposition attacks reaching Real Madrid’s defensive third as a potential concern.
“I can't imagine them coping with that in a match against PSG or similar teams,” he said.
Despite that, Mourinho’s system has delivered more success than expected so far.
“The question is whether a club like Real, with that level of quality and such a standing in world football, should develop in this direction over the long term. For now, though, the season is showing that Mourinho has been more successful with it than expected,” Kabat said.
Real Madrid’s mid-block and counter-attacking game has allowed them to create chances efficiently without dominating matches. Alongside Atletico, they have the lowest xG conceded per game.
Kabat also believes Mourinho has improved the psychological atmosphere within the squad.
“To me, it is obvious that things have improved in the dressing room. That is something Mourinho has always been good at - psychology, motivating players...” he said.
Barcelona generally start in a 4-3-3 formation but become a 3-2-5 when in possession, with high pressing central to their approach. Kabat says that intensity begins with the forward players and praised Raphinha for filling the centre-forward role.
Barcelona’s defence remains a strength, although opponents are generating counter-attacking opportunities worth 0.6 xG per game, up from 0.54 last season. Rodri has made the most interceptions and has impressed with his positioning, but Kabat believes further defensive reinforcement is needed.
“In the summer, they should have signed Alessandro Bastoni rather than Anthony Gordon,” he said.
Real Madrid most often use a 4-2-3-1, changing to a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 without the ball. Federico Valverde’s role at right-back is particularly notable, with the central midfielder sometimes dropping alongside the centre-backs.
Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory at Camp Nou in the latest El Clasico was judged by Kabat to be closer than the scoreline suggested.
“Barcelona had 18 shots, but they were worth just 0.07 xG per shot, which is below their average. Real, meanwhile, had 10 shots in total, six of them from inside the box, and therefore with a high xG,” he said.
“Their greatest achievement was neutralising Barca's attack. I was surprised by just how successfully they managed it.”
With both squads built around young players, the rivalry promises to remain closely contested.