In a game where Lyon did not seem able to do anything but park the bus to neutralize the Parisian forces, they managed to keep this match a goalless draw for a very long time. They had been counting their chickens before they were hatched though, as Neymar rescued PSG with a brilliant late game […]

Dortmund started the game with lots of possession against the high pressing Eintracht Frankfurt. They showed some good combinations to exploit the hosts’ man-marking way of pressing, but failed to do so constantly in the first half. The second half was much more open, with a lot of turnovers and transitions on both sides. Dortmund […]

This match was all about marginal gains. Both Stade Rennais and Lille OSC set up in 4-4-2 formations that were largely enough to dim each other’s attacking threats. Small tactical adjustments were thus key to improving attacking successes, since cracks gradually started to seep through.  Tactical analysis and match report by Peter M. Julian Stéphan’s […]

For spells in the game, neither team were at their best, but Liverpool were able to get in front with two goals from set-pieces in the first half. A common theme for both teams was to seek direct routes to beat the opponent’s press. As the game progressed, Liverpool began to defend deeper, which allowed […]

San Jose Earthquakes went to Atlanta United with one of the worst away records in the Western Conference; just three wins in fifteen. Their manager Matías Almeyda deployed an interesting defensive plan, which held Atlanta for long periods of the game. It wasn’t until the final moments of the game that San Jose were finally […]

Inter’s responded to their disappointing Champions League draw to Slavia Praha with a textbook Antonio Conte display. This win ensured their rampage in Serie A continued as they disarmed a helpless Milan side still in search of its identity for the season.  Tactical analysis and match report by Kareem Bianchi. If Antonio Conte’s spell at […]

Pochettino needs time in an environment where time is a luxury.

A match made up of small battles up, down and across the pitch, Mainz’s diamond formation was the catalyst for an interesting affair, albeit one that failed to create much excitement in attack. At least not until the very end. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter M.  Schalke appear to have found their feet […]

In a match filled to the absolute brim with high quality chances, it is a bit of a mystery how there was only one goal prior to the eightieth minute. In the leadup to a devastating end, Adi Hütter’s approach was as clever as it was naïve, given the subsequent gap in quality in each […]

Transitional defending, covering passing lanes and a compact team shape proved vital as Athletico Paranaense won their first ever Copa do Brasil. Internacional controlled the ball, put their poor passing structure and overcommitment towards the end of the game resulted in the hosts looking vulnerable on the break. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]