For the current Manchester City, naturally no one would think them inferior—nor assume that Real Madrid's players would always outperform them within the right tactical system. Even if the individual abilities of Madrid's stars were higher, that didn't guarantee superiority against City.
On this day, Real Madrid's midfield was set up in a diamond formation, with Redondo as the anchor—an epitome of elegance and control.
Seedorf and Karembeu operated as central midfielders, versatile enough to attack and defend with equal proficiency. Ahead of them, Raúl played a more advanced role, functioning almost as a second striker, able to both create chances and finish them. Under Capello, he had achieved terrifying efficiency, scoring more than 20 goals in a single season.
