Despite rolling out a ballsy 3-4-3 diamond formation without an actual defensive midfielder, Guardiola’s Manchester City creating next to nothing in the Champions League final. Chelsea defended like they always do under Tuchel: well-organized and disciplined, as direct balls into Werner were a good way to create chances on the counterattack. By virtue of a […]
Teams of Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel have met seven times before, split into three episodes of club football. In this mini-series, building up to the Champions League final, we dial back the tape and go over the main tactical themes of those seven meetings, divided into three acts. In the third and last part: […]
Teams of Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel have met seven times before, split into three episodes of club football. In this mini-series, building up to the Champions League final, we play back the tape and go over the main tactical themes of those seven meetings, divided into three acts. In the second part: Bayern Munich […]
Yearning to mimic the glory days under an old star, Manchester United looked to break their four-year trophy drought with a win in this final. But Villarreal had other ideas. As a compact defensive block met an aimless offensive setup, over two hours of sparring in a grueling finale saw the Spaniards round off the […]
Teams of Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel have met seven times before, split into three episodes of club football. In this mini-series, building up to the Champions League final, we play back the tape and go over the main tactical themes of those seven meetings, divided into three acts. In the first part: Bayern Munich […]
On the final matchday, with the season in the balance, perhaps an away trip to Serie A’s top goal-scorers wouldn’t be a personal choice for Rossoneri fans. However, AC Milan’s 5-3-2 defensive block frustrated an uncreative Atalanta Bergamo, and two Franck Kessié penalties confirmed a long-awaited return to the Champions League. Tactical analysis and match […]
Leicester City arrived with arguably the stronger tactical display in a game where neither team played on an especially high level. However, the Foxes’ lack of chance creation outside of penalties came back to bite them later in the game as Spurs were clinical with their chances, seeing Leicester miss out on the top four. […]
Ninety minutes stood between Atlético Madrid and the league title. In classic Atlético style, the game took a rocky turn, as Valladolid’s deep defensive block took the sting out of their guests. But the away side held their nerve, turning around the game’s dynamic to wrap up domestic glory. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
After a first half of comfortable control, Borussia Mönchengladbach adjusted their forms of shot creation and blazed through a fragile Werder Bremen defense. This result has relegated Bremen for only the second time in their history. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Forty years. That is how long Werder Bremen had remained in the […]
The 2021 Coppa Italia Final looked to be an even duel between clubs on contrasting trajectories. Indeed, despite a setback, Atalanta’s rotations from their 3-4-2-1 shape set the tone in the first half. But Juventus would go on to take control and show there is still life in this waning outfit. Tactical analysis and match […]