Group I’s first set of matches pitted two of last year’s big-story-nations – Belgium and Russia – against each other. In an affair that saw Belgium rule over Russia with their individual quality, Roberto Martínez’s tactical tweaks partly helped his side escape a troubling start. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter M. As both […]
Werder were able to cause a lot of problems for Leverkusen with their intense press and good transitioning from defense to attack. The side of Peter Bosz were lacking in terms of defensive organization and could not create chances against Bremen’s passionate defensive approach. Although Leverkusen improved along the way, Werder could easily hurt Leverkusen […]
In a surprisingly cagey Le Classique, Paris Saint-Germain triumphed thanks to a brilliant performance from Ángel Di María. The Argentinian had an opener chalked off after consultation of the Video Assistant Referee, before assisting the first goal, scoring the other two and enforcing Steve Mandanda’s sending off. Olympique Marseille manager Rudy Garcia got his tactics […]
There were a lot of tactical aspects that gave colour to this match. From Betis’ problematic attacking structure to the manipulation of Betis’ center-backs and how Barcelona’s offensive players consistently created space for themselves. All in all however, this match was mostly defined by an outrageously good performance by Lionel Messi, even by his standards. […]
In the first half, Inter’s pressing and the key role of Matías Vecino allowed Inter to hinder Milan’s buildup and create many good chances. In the second half, Gattuso switched Milan to a more aggressive 4-4-2 setup and a more crossing-heavy strategy. What ensued was a high-tempo and intense game, which Inter ran away with. […]
Following a trying number of weeks, few Borussia Dortmund players and supporters will have relished heading to the Olympiastadion to face Hertha Berlin: a team that enjoys nothing more than taking points of the Bundesliga’s top teams. Hertha lived up to their pre-match billing and proved a tough nut to crack, but thanks to the […]
Wolverhampton Wanderers produced another stunt at Molineux. Their success was based on a great defensive organization and directness when the ball was won. Manchester United’s lack of width was a problem all game long, and after a close first hour the game went Wolves way. Tactical analysis and match report by Erik Elias. For the […]
The new manager effect and Zinedine Zidane’s aura gave Real Madrid a platform of heightened energy to work from. Unsurprisingly, it did not produce immediate results, as players like Isco looked rather rusty. Eventually, the quality of Madrid broke through in the second half and Celta Vigo were dispatched with ease. Tactical analysis and match […]
It could be argued that Lille were the better team for substantial parts of the match with their fluid attacking game. This was especially true in the first half, where they almost certainly should have gone ahead. As the game approached its end, it seemed as if the teams would end up goalless despite chances […]
After losing 3-1 away in France, Arsenal stepped it up at the Emirates and produced a brilliant performance to complete the comeback and progress into the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Despite managing to stay in the tie until the final whistle, Rennes were outclassed here, simply unable to cope with Arsenal’s off-the-ball movement in […]