Anytime a team is behind you would like to see them push for goals. Today in Barcelona, Real Madrid has had to take a first things first approach. It does Madrid no good to try and go for goals if they can't prevent them, and seeing allowing another goals is much more likely than scoring, José Mourinho has gone to a three man line in fron of defense.
With the substitution of Lassana Diarra in for Mesut Ozil, Madrid is playing three deep lying midfielders. The formation we're seeing is Sami Khedira in front of the left channel, Diarra between central defenders, while Xabi Alonso protects the right channel. This second defensive line steps up about 8 yards in front of the real defensive line, giving Real Madrid seven defenders.
In addition, Real Madrid has become cheat in their tackles. Sami Khedira picked up a yellow card in the 75th minute for running through a Barça man. Sergio Ramos had previously swept through David Villa's ankles, earning a card. Xabi Alonso, as the play moved away from Lionel Messi, body charged Barça's star.
It's been a frustrating day for Madrid's defense, so these changes aren't surprising. With Barcelona up 4-0 through 76 minutes, Los Blancos look like they have a red card in them
