In their almost identical three-at-the-back shapes, the onus was on Atlético to breach a stubborn Granada as the hosts ceded ball control. There was promise in their possession, especially with Koke in full control, but It would be second-half positional changes which would prompt the difference in the final third. Simeone’s men found the edge […]
Liverpool set out like a side with a point to prove. A mix of intensity and guile put the visitors in a firm position of control, cutting through the hosts’ 4-4-2 setup. But on taking a deserved lead, a familiar narrative emerged to turn the game on its head in a frantic seven minute spell. […]
Gennaro Gattuso’s buildup ideas combined with a sloppy Juventus press helped Napoli start the match better and create some important chances. In the second half, Juventus’ press became more intense as Napoli started finding less and less solutions. The periods of Juventus’ dominance were characterized by wing play and lots of crosses that did not […]
Protracted and substandard. This wasn’t your usual Guardiola and Mourinho matchup, yet the alarming ease in which Manchester City brushed past Tottenham Hotspur made this a big talking point in each other’s seasons. City were able to play on autopilot, with rehearsed movements getting them past the block, whilst Spurs looked clueless and deprived of […]
Tigres came into the match as underdogs and accordingly went for a direct approach in their attack. Bayern were on top for most of the game, although they struggled to exploit the spaces in Tigres’ midfield earlier on as they were unable to make the breakthroughs in the final third. Eventually, Benjamin Pavard put Hansi […]
Nine goals in this back-and-forth FA Cup thriller!
The blistering pace and delicate technique of Kylian Mbappé in the ninth minute of Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Olympique Marseille proved enough to see the guests past their biggest rivals, but also showed the value of having a true superstar in your squad. PSG, who matched Marseille’s 4-3-3 formation, won the game but were unconvincing […]
In a fixture that has continually delivered goals, Barcelona’s clash with Real Betis lived up to expectations. But in contrast to the matchup, Ronald Koeman did not revert to type, making several tweaks from the sideline to help his side take all three points in a thrilling match. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. […]
City started very strongly in the match with a good use of width with the ball and solid counterpressing against Liverpool’s transitions. Eventually Liverpool started to take more of the ball and City were content to control the spaces behind their defense. Guardiola’s pressing tweak at half-time preceded City taking the lead through İlkay Gündoğan. […]
Roma brought some positive and effective buildup play on this away trip, but despite playing through Juventus’ pressure regularly, they were turned away by a stubborn Juventus defense. And despite their early dominance in possession, they could not capitalize as the hosts did. A clinical Ronaldo and good play by a couple of substitutes saw […]