4-2-3-1 isn't most balance formation in this Game as I guess. I also defeated Better opponent who was playing 4-3N--3 by using 3-1-3-2W-1. Its good counter for 4-3N-3. I also tried 4-2-3-1 but I never had great success with it.
During Jose Mourinho Era Real Madrid played beautifull counter-attacking football. Inter Milan & Bayern Munich won Treble by using 4-2-3-1. Some things in this game has nothing do with Real Football. We have to play the way this game works.