Ahead of kickoff, Barcelona’s revival under the management of Xavi was on the verge of a crucial marker. Threatening to break into the Champions League berths, more of the same was in order. And his men emphatically delivered. A dominant display, and an inspired showing off the bench, gave way to a rampant scoreline that […]

Chelsea enjoyed a good start, using the wide areas well to create solutions against Liverpool’s pressing. Liverpool eventually came more into the game thanks to their strengths in transition situations, and the Chelsea central midfield struggled to cover the necessary spaces at times. The two teams both had good spells over the course of the […]

Though Sevilla only won by a single goal, it could have been far more for the hosts. The first half saw Sevilla create chance after chance, taking advantage of the lack of organization of Real Betis’ defense, especially in transition moments. However, Sevilla found it difficult to finish off the vast majority of their chances, […]

  Manchester City might be etched more closely to beautiful football than most, but even they have to turn to scraps when they are forced to. A resounding Everton defensive display had kept an awkward City restricted, but give a Pep Guardiola team control and you will be punished. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]

Ajax have flown the flag for the outsiders in the Champions League, but they locked horns with another outfit keen to throw a shock bid into the ring. What manifested was a duel that shone a light on the frail and fantastic of the Dutch champions, teeing up an enthralling second leg. Tactical analysis and […]

In a crisis, a leader has two primary options: unearth a unique answer, or go back to familiar ideas. Thomas Tuchel has delved deep into both choices, but at home to an outfit wallowing through their own campaign, the return of a back three was the gateway to a routine victory. Tactical analysis and match […]

In their first UEFA Champions League knockout round appearance for well over a decade, Villarreal hosted Juventus, who have repeatedly disappointed in the competition of late. Both sides would have given themselves a decent chance to progress to the quarterfinals, but after the 1-1 draw in the first leg, Villarreal must feel that they have […]

In a clash that intrigued on paper, Atalanta’s current woes were on full display as Fiorentina were not made to feel uncomfortable at all. The home side were able to toil away with their more direct attacking approach until Atalanta finally caved. A lack of final-third entries, and a stifled flank buildup, hurt Atalanta’s usual […]

Though Barcelona managed to put four goals past José Bordalás’ Valencia side, they very easily could have conceded just as many to the hosts. Xavi has his midfield and attack firing on all cylinders, but his transition defense is still quite lacking, and this win largely depended on penalty area heroics from his center-backs and […]

Manchester City have been the outfit to beat— all in the absence of a designated striker. But if the league leaders were on the hunt for a classic marksman, the point man of the away team delivered as good of an audition as one could imagine. City monopolized ball and space, but a man at […]