This match was the beginning of a new Germany chapter, as Joachim Löw’s team showed some exciting ideas. A glamorous performance from Sané and Gündoğan highlighted the cohesive left flank of Germany’s 4-3-3 formation, supported by Kimmich and Goretzka shining centrally. Iceland failed to deal with this threat as the game was effectively decided in […]
Dutch tactical problems off the ball and a gigantic performance from Burak Yilmaz made this a night to remember for Turkey and one to learn from for the Netherlands. For the Dutch team, games like these ruined their qualification for the 2016 European Championship and the 2018 World Cup. So if they want to qualify […]
In a match that acted as an example of the interconnectivity of the four phases of the game, a well-balanced PSG side scored four goals before the hour mark despite Garcia’s thought-out defensive plan. In the end, some tactical corrections by the French coach and loss of concentration by the guests almost brought OL back […]
Barcelona’s visit to Real Sociedad ought to have been a test of the away team’s title credentials. But this proved to be far from the case. Showcasing a fluid 3-1-3-3 system on the ball, Ronald Koeman’s men made sure this matchup was a one-sided affair, pulling clear in the second half. Tactical analysis and match […]
Nice’s 4-3-3 shape managed to expose Olympique Marseille’s weaknesses. With time passing and Jorge Sampaoli making the necessary tactical changes, the guests took control. A careless mistake however led to a second Nice goal and the end of Marseille’s chances to win. Tactical analysis and match report by Thanos Chelas. In a season in which their […]
Going down a man early against one of the most enterprising outfits in the league, Bayern Munich did not make the best start to this game. But revealing another string to their bow, a compact 4-4-1 shape, along with their classic efficiency, powered the hosts to a resounding win. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Carlo Ancelotti’s switch to a 5-3-2 defensive shape was sensible and organized, against a Manchester City team that missed their usual fluency. However, the missing offensive plan and loss of defensive cohesion could only last for so long, as City tweaked their approach to score two late goals. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]
Entering the second leg with a slim lead, Real Madrid stuttered against Atalanta’s 5-2-2-1 pressing setup. But the muscle memory of their stars on a big European night proved too much to handle. With a structural change that tilted the match, Zinedine Zidane made sure the big names delivered, sending the home team into the […]
Setting the tone for European conquest with a 2-0 win in the first leg, Manchester City looked to finish off the job. Relentless from the off, their fluid 4-3-3 system caused all manner of problems for Borussia Mönchengladbach, putting the tie to bed early in a routine display. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel […]
Monaco’s different defensive shapes kept a Lille side lacking buildup ideas quiet. Lille showed they are masters of the defensive fundamentals in their 4-4-2 block, neutralizing Niko Kovač’ 3-4-2-1 shape. The game became at times anarchic but neither the players nor the coaches could find a way to give their team the incredibly valuable win. […]