Real Madrid Breaks Two LaLiga Records: Assessing the Tactical Brilliance of Álvaro Arbeloa’s Side

 

​Real Madrid continues to redefine excellence in Spanish football, and their latest feat has sent statisticians into a frenzy. Following their hard-fought 2-0 victory against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium, the "Los Blancos" have officially set two new tactical records in the 2025/2026 LaLiga season. This development comes as the title race with arch-rivals Barcelona reaches a fever pitch, with only one point separating the two giants after 23 matches.

​According to the latest data from OptaJose, Real Madrid has become the most versatile attacking force in the league, dominating both structured play and dead-ball situations. These milestones are not just numbers; they represent a significant shift in the coaching philosophy of Álvaro Arbeloa, who has successfully optimized a squad featuring superstars like Kylian Mbappé and rising defensive talents like Álvaro Carreras.

​Record #1: The Kings of Elaborate Attacks

​The first record broken by Real Madrid this season is for the most goals scored from elaborate attacks. In football analytics, an elaborate attack is defined as a sequence of play involving a high number of passes (usually 10 or more) that ends in a goal or a shot in the box.

​Real Madrid currently leads LaLiga with eight goals coming from these intricate team moves. This record is particularly impressive given the absence of key creative outlets like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in recent fixtures due to suspension and injury. It highlights the tactical discipline instilled by Arbeloa, where the team no longer relies solely on individual brilliance but on collective ball movement and patient buildup.

​Record #2: Unstoppable from Set Pieces

​While their open-play brilliance is evident, Real Madrid has also turned into a juggernaut during dead-ball situations. They now hold the record for the most goals scored from set pieces in LaLiga this term, with a staggering 17 goals.

​Whether it is a pinpoint corner from Arda Güler or a clinical finish following a free-kick, the Madridistas have mastered the art of the set play. This record is a testament to the aerial prowess of defenders like Antonio Rüdiger and the technical delivery of the midfield. In a league where defenses are increasingly compact, being able to find the net 17 times from set pieces provides a crucial "X-factor" that often decides tight matches.

​The Valencia Win: A Catalyst for Success

​The validation of these records came during the recent clash against Valencia. In a match where the first half remained goalless and largely devoid of quality, Real Madrid’s tactical depth shone through in the second period.

• ​The Breakthrough: On 65 minutes, Álvaro Carreras produced a moment of individual magic, skipping past two defenders to slot the ball home.
• ​The Closer: As Valencia pushed for an equalizer, Brahim Díaz set up Kylian Mbappé, who scored his 23rd league goal of the season in stoppage time.

​This victory not only secured three points but also showcased their secondary attacking threat—the counter-attack. While Real Madrid leads in elaborate attacks and set pieces, they sit second only to Villarreal in counter-attacking goals, having netted seven times from quick transitions this season.

​The Arbeloa Factor: A New Tactical Identity

​The 2025/2026 season has been a transformative one for Real Madrid under manager Álvaro Arbeloa. By breaking these two records, the team has proven it can hurt opponents in multiple ways.

​Under previous regimes, Madrid was often criticized for being too reliant on "chaos" or individual sparks. Now, with eight elaborate attack goals and 17 set-piece goals, the team displays a level of tactical maturity that makes them favorites for both the LaLiga title and their upcoming Champions League playoff against Benfica.

​What’s Next for Los Blancos?

​With 57 points from 23 games, Real Madrid is breathing down the neck of league leaders Barcelona. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Real Sociedad on Saturday, February 14. If they maintain their record-breaking form, they could temporarily reclaim the top spot before Barcelona faces Girona on Monday.

​The statistical dominance in set pieces and buildup play suggests that Real Madrid is becoming a "complete" team. Opposing managers now face a dilemma: do they sit deep and risk conceding from a set piece, or do they press high and allow Madrid to exploit their elaborate passing sequences?

​Conclusion: A Season for the History Books

​Real Madrid’s ability to set two new LaLiga records in the middle of a grueling February schedule is a warning to the rest of Europe. With Kylian Mbappé leading the scoring charts and a defense that is increasingly lethal on the opposite end of the pitch, the "Kings of Europe" are showing no signs of slowing down.