Both teams initially struggled to string together a few passes, struggling to beat the good opposing press. After that phase, Leipzig went on to control the rest of the first half with strong possession play. With a lead in the pocket, Nagelsmann’s side opted for a more conservative approach in the second half to hit […]
Olivier Giroud gave Chelsea an early lead amid a passive start from Spurs, which handed Chelsea control of the match early on. Spurs gradually became more aggressive as the game went on, but Chelsea’s pressing was suitably intense and was often able to stifle Spurs’ buildup. Marcos Alonso doubled Chelsea’s lead just after half-time, meaning […]
A plodding match saw Roma overcome a Gent side that only managed to threaten their opponents during transitional phases. Paulo Fonseca’s men once again showed the inconsistencies that have followed them for the last couple of months, but were still able to edge an important win. Tactical analysis and match report by Kareem Bianchi. Roma’s […]
Atalanta’s offense troubled Valencia from the start, with attackers popping in and out of spaces to combine and draw the defending players out of position. Ultimately, though, it was the finishing that decided the first leg of this tie, as Valencia could not capitalize on their opponent’s defensive blind spots. Tactical analysis and match report […]
A classic high octane Leipzig performance proved far too much for a pinned-back Mourinho side. Superior ball retention and a general ease of passage through Spurs’ shape were decisive in creating key openings. The questions posed by the hosts as the game went on lacked any sort of conviction, subsequently affording the visitors an easy […]
Club football enters its decisive phase, with lots to play for in every competition. Yesterday we previewed the first two ties, today we focus on the upcoming two ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by José Pérez, Kareem Bianchi, Manasvin Andra and Erik Elias. Tottenham Hotspur – RasenballSport Leipzig […]
Saúl’s fourth minute goal set the scene for the rest of the game as it allowed Atlético Madrid to do what they do best – defend in a low block. Liverpool were unable to find the solution to crack Atlético’s compact 4-4-2 shape as the home side cleared almost everything that came into their penalty […]
A perplexing formation change from Thomas Tuchel gave way to a confused Paris Saint-Germain performance, as Europe’s most potent offense sputtered away from home. The disorderly guests allowed Dortmund to ply their trade on the counterattack and lean on the dynamism of their young striker. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. Heading into […]
The world’s most watched competition is back, with a splendid series of knockout matchups. In this piece, we preview the first two ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by José Pérez and K.T. Stockwell. Atlético Madrid – Liverpool Liverpool Tyrannical dominance of the Premier League, current Champions League […]
Inter’s first-half lead was overturned by a second-half comeback that saw Lazio once again showcase their mental improvements. Despite falling behind they did not lose their composure and until the final whistle, they remained compact and stern in defense, exposing Inter’s offensive woes for the umpteenth time. Tactical analysis and match report by Kareem Bianchi. […]