Gaming
Games
How to play as Real Madrid in FIFA 18
Our guide to dominating the opposition with Los Blancos.
Want to win every game in FIFA 18? Here's a simple tip for you – choose Real Madrid! Not only do they have the best player in the game in their team, but they also boast 11 more stars in the FIFA 18 top 100 – a team of world-class players.
1 min
FIFA 18 celebrations: How to do the Pipe, Mask and X
We show you how to do the Pipe, Mask and X celebrations in FIFA 18
However, if you do choose to play as Los Blancos, you won't be alone. So, here's our guide to getting the most out of the European champions – with these tips, you'll achieve success in Career mode, Online Seasons and you'll probably thrash your mates, too.
Which formation should you play?
4-3-2-1 gets the most out of the BBC
© EA Sports
4-3-3 (Attack)
Real Madrid default to a 4-3-3 (holding) formation in FIFA 18. Depending on your playstyle, this setup's attacking variant can be slightly more effective, ditching the CDM role in favour of a central attacking midfield option. This allows the 86-rated Isco or 84-rated Marco Asensio to slot ahead of the two CMs, bolstering the attack while still retaining a wide forward line in Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema.
4-2-2-2
The 4-2-2-2 remains one of Real Madrid's strongest formations in FIFA 18. A popular option in last year's game, the strategy utilises two defensive and attacking midfielders to support a partnership of strikers. This formation allows for Ronaldo to play alongside Benzema upfront, while any combination of Bale, Isco, Asensio, Modrić and Vázquez produces quick-developing attacks from the midfield. Meanwhile, the two DMFs form a strong defensive wall.
4-3-2-1
It's tough to determine whether to utilise Ronaldo and Bale in central or wide midfield or striker positions. The 4-3-2-1 achieves a balance – the two maestros sitting behind Karim Benzema in LF and RF roles. This allows them to remain adaptable, playing wide enough to spread to the wings, while also possessing the ability to cut inside regularly. Additionally, three central players allow for an array of midfield combinations.
Which players should you pick?
Who should Zidane pick?
© EA Sports
Defence
Keylor Navas is the obvious choice in goal.
The Brazilian Marcelo and Spanish international Dani Carvajal are Real's top full-backs, although 19-year-old Theo Hernández packs plenty of pace and potential.
In the centre of defence, Sergio Ramos' 90 overall rating makes him the top-rated defender in the game, while Raphaël Varane isn't far behind. Don't neglect the versatile Nacho Fernández as a reliable backup option either.
Midfield
As previously mentioned, Real possess considerable talent in the centre of the pitch. Tony Kroos has an impressive 90 overall rating, with Croatian superstar Luka Modrić just one notch behind.
Casemiro (83) proves commanding in a CDM role, while Isco (86), Marco Asensio (84) and Mateo Kovačić (82) all offer superb strength in depth. 21-year-old wonderkid Dani Ceballos is one to watch in Career mode, too.
Attack
French international Karim Benzema boasts 84 shooting and 82 dribbling in a striker role, but finding a way to utilise Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo is paramount (see formations above).
Real's strength-in-depth beyond these three is minimal, however. Lucas Vázquez is an excellent option at right-wing, but 20-year-old striker Borja Mayoral (72) still requires extra development time in Career mode before emerging as a significant threat.
What tactics should you use?
Bale is better than Ronaldo from set-pieces
© EA Sports
As always, any additional tactics you utilise should be based around your style of play. Real Madrid's superb attacking strength provides plenty of options, with long balls making use of Benzema, Ronaldo and Bale's speed and physical attributes in direct attacks.
Alternatively, possession is for those who enjoy patient build-up play, while high pressure instructs your team to regain the ball with skill, speed and tight marking.
Cristiano Ronaldo is particularly effective when equipped with the 'get in behind' player instruction in FIFA 18 as it allows him to be a central point of any attack. Also, encouraging both CR7 and Gareth Bale to 'cut inside' on the wings allows the two to become more involved in goalscoring opportunities. Additionally, the 'stay back while attacking' instruction suits a defensive approach for full-back positions.
In terms of set pieces, Bale is arguably more effective than Ronaldo at short free-kicks, although Cristiano's 94 shot power suits long drives. The Welsh wizard is slightly less preferable to Tony Kroos on corners, and in terms of penalties, you can pretty much choose from Los Blancos' array of talented attackers – they're all likely to score!
1 min
How to do a Stop and Turn in FIFA 18
Watch this video to see how to do a Stop and Turn skill move in FIFA 18
