Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli once again stole the show with some breathtaking attacking football. Along with their high pressing and counterattacking threat, the Italian side defeated Ajax by four goals to two and have qualified for the next round of the Champions League. Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan. Napoli and Ajax are two […]
The ‘Group of Death’ reunited two giants of the European game in a contest whose second half was one for the ages. An exhibition with six goals aligned with Xavi’s risks that befitted the big stage, but even his staunchest backers could struggle to bear the consequences of the outcome. Tactical analysis and match report […]
An early Fikayo Tomori red card helped change the course of the game and allowed Chelsea to claim three vital points in their quest for the Champions League knockout stages. Two first-half goals sealed the deal for Graham Potter’s men, who produced a very assured display in a hostile atmosphere at San Siro. Tactical analysis […]
In a repeat of last week’s result, Benfica were able to leave Paris with a draw having once again shown a strong display of pressing. Their compactness against the ball prevented PSG from playing in dangerous areas, resulting in a game of few chances in open play. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Roger […]
Arsenal started the game on a positive footing as they went ahead early on. Their defensive scheme limited Liverpool’s chance creation for the most part, and they showed some good possession sequences in the second half to eventually earn their win. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Arsenal’s start to the season has been […]
It was another disappointing outing for Unai Emery’s Villarreal, and they made it very clear that they are nothing without Gerard Moreno. Real Sociedad looked lively throughout the match, and once they weathered down Villarreal’s defense in the first half they never looked back. Tactical analysis and match report by Charlie Tuley Imanol Alguacil’s Real […]
The weekend’s topspiel brought together two familiar foes at the peak of German football. What was a second half spectacle revealed why this edition of the fixture broke from the past. One camp had to risk it all, while the other must face the same inquiry it has stirred around its rival. Tactical analysis and match […]
With notable absences on both sides, Milan overran Juve’s midfield by concentrating more quality in the middle of the pitch. Stefano Pioli’s fluid formation surprised an overly static and exposed Juventus. This places Massimiliano Allegri’s predicament under more scrutiny while Milan bounce back from the heavy defeat against Chelsea in the Champions League. Tactical analysis […]
The statement was Roberto De Zerbi, but nobody out-shows Antonio Conte. Whereas Brighton and Hove Albion tease a unique stylistic change under their new coach, it was Conte’s tweaks to the midfield that got the job done. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Italian coaches are perhaps the Premier League’s best imports. No […]
Peter Bosz’s misfiring Lyon were in desperate need for a victory when they hosted newly-promoted Toulouse at the Groupama Stadium. The Dutch head coach was a man under pressure after a terrible recent run of form, so much so that he himself labelled this match as a must-win. His side failed to deliver, though, as […]