One of the problems I've seen this season is we concede possession to sides that want to play possession. Happened against Barca, Juventus, Rayo and Bilbao. It was the same under Mourinho, possession against most sides, then counter vs teams who play possession. I this is actually a problem, because although we've improved defensively recently, I still think a lot of the top sides will trouble our defense. We've only been good defensively against average attacks. Overall I think our possession has definitely improved under Ancelotti and so has our pressing, however it's still not at it's peak yet. However that's understandable, since the players are getting used to a new style.

So what's the best way to play? Adjusting tactics based on the opposition, or sticking to one style?

No ideas?

its tough to say, considering we haven't played any elite side since we played barcelona in october (no, i don't consider atleti an elite side just yet, they beat us last year yes, but even a garbage bin gets a piece of steak now and then)...i think the pressing questions for us as well as our opponents are, if carlo sticks to di maria playing in his new role, if modric can dictate the pace of the game against elite opposition, if benzema's form continues against such opposition, and of course sergio ramos' temperament...it will be interesting to see

Who is elite?

by elite i'm talking about the likes of barcelona, bayern, chelsea, psg, dortmund et al ...granted we've met psg and chelsea in friendlies, but champions league is a whole different ball game and level of intensity required...manchester united may not be doing well at the moment but for the sake of reputation i'll throw them in that group.

it appear ance doing well against 2nd time opponent

If we struggle against Schalke, they would say we are struggling against top teams but if we beat them comfortably, they would say Schalke is not a top team

schalke is a special case, because we have not won in germany in about twenty something tries. i can't remember when last we won there....but regardless, this is madrid. we should not underestimate schalke, but if we don't get a good result, it will be a major blow...and no, i won't consider schalke a tough side...a poor result against them will be an UPSET rather than a 'loss to a top side'....i feel both teams will play with caution though. i see this as a draw and if so, hopefully we get enough away goals...i'd rather a win ofcourse

Hopefully, we won't play like United   

lol @ valkyrja....that was funny