Seattle Sounders arrived in Los Angeles having won three of the last four Western Conference Finals, but despite this success, they were considered heavy underdogs to an offensively vibrant Los Angeles FC side. Nonetheless, Seattle proved the doubters wrong, as they used all their cunning and pragmatism to dispatch a static and somewhat naïve home […]

Napoli took a leaf out of Manchester City’s book and mostly outplayed Atalanta with a pass-and-press game. A dominant second half display from Napoli seemed to have sealed the game in their favor, but late controversy arose and Josip Iličić thought otherwise, restoring the game that appeared completely out of Atalanta’s reach to a draw.  […]

Frankfurt’s 5-3-2 defensive structure has proven difficult to play through, however Gladbach’s fast transitional play saw them score four against Adi Hütter’s team, asserting their place on top of the Bundesliga standings.  Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Both Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt returned to Bundesliga action following a more upbeat Europa […]

In the French Classique, the first half was enough to leave Marseille for dead. The abundance of Parisian offensive talent punished André Villas-Boas’ risky tactical approach with four goals before half-time. After a much calmer second half, this also turned out to be the final score.  Tactical analysis and match report by Simon Piotr. Despite […]

A very early goal from Harry Kane invited Spurs to try and shut up shop early on and defend deep against Liverpool. Spurs’ defending became perhaps too passive though, as Liverpool were able to dictate possession and constantly switch the play with little pressure. Eventually Liverpool’s dominance paid off, as Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah […]

While Milan’s intentions still remain unclear, Roma is slowly molding into the picture Paulo Fonseca has in mind – a high pressing and patient, yet incisive, team in possession. In contrast, Stefano Pioli’s men were unable to threaten a solid side, naively falling into the hosts’ traps and offering no signs of improvement from the […]

In an old-school duel of two teams trading long passes, Atlético’s domination of second balls and their superior talent allowed them to create the better shots, which ultimately turned into goals. In the second half, Athletic were unable to change the game state through substitutions, conceding more spaces on the counter for Atlético to exploit. […]

The Revierderby rarely fails to live up to its billing, and such was the case again in this fiery affair. Schalke’s diamond press was at its sparkling best, as it had to be to stifle Dortmund. It ultimately resulted in a match consisting of minor breaks either way.  Tactical analysis and match report by Peter […]

Marco Silva and Graham Potter made constant adjustments to their sides, as the two managers looked to correct sloppy play at both ends of the pitch. In the end, it was Brighton who made fewer errors – benefitting from a Lucas Digne own-goal at the end of a sumptuous attacking move.  Tactical analysis and match […]

Monaco’s 3-5-2 system at times proved relatively effective in manipulating Nantes’ defense and creating forward passing routes to the strikers and attacking midfielders. They earned themselves a first half goal, which would end up being the winner. This was not for lack of effort from Nantes, who increasingly imposed themselves on the game with some […]