Barcelona took a risky approach in possession against Valencia’s counterattacking threat, and found themselves 2-0 down just over thirty minutes in. Valencia’s brave possession structure kept Barcelona’s backline busy, hurting them with well-executed quick breaks. A moment of individual quality from Lionel Messi was required – again – to find a way past Valencia’s compact […]

This contest was shaped by the tactical show put on by Frankfurt coach Adi Hütter. We witnessed one of the most intense and exciting first halves of European football this season. The one-sided focus of Frankfurt’s defensive structure left them more than just a little exposed to Dortmund’s transition-based attacks. At the same time, their […]