On the surface, the encounter between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Hertha BSC seems a one-sided affair won by a side revitalized by the freshness of a new manager. Yet what manifested between these two sides was a largely even match where the recurring weaknesses of the hosts contributed to decisive moments in the game. Tactical […]

1. FC Köln were able to take an early lead and later in the game also managed to double the score in a way that did not reflect the game’s happenings. Eventually, though, Mainz 05’s efforts to equalize the score paid off, and just when most spectators expected a dazzling ending to the game, tired legs […]

Bundesliga football returned with an – on paper – intense relegation battle, with both Fortuna Düsselsorf and SC Paderborn fully engrossed. In this first match after a long layoff, both teams had a hard time progressing the ball against their opponent’s defensive systems, especially when dealing with opposition pressing. An even and eventful goalless draw […]

Mönchengladbach did not miss a beat as they strolled past a disorganized Eintracht Frankfurt. Gladbach constantly adjusted their shape in the buildup, scoring twice inside the first seven minutes. Frankfurt manager Adi Hütter tried to adapt a couple of times, but to no avail. This result moves Gladbach up to the third spot in the […]

Julian Nagelsmann’s centrally-congestive attack looked to combine in direct fashion, but an all-too-familiar problem in the conversion of their chances made hard work against Freiburg on a snatch-and-grab mission.  Tactical analysis and match report by Peter Munnelly. After its two-month disruption, football’s return is welcomed by Nagelsmann, whose intentions to remain hot on the heels […]

There were brief moments of promise from Schalke in the early minutes of the game. After this, Dortmund took control and smart movements in their attack from the likes of Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard threatened the wobbly Schalke defense. Dortmund were also clinical in front of goal, aided by some questionable goalkeeping which helped […]

Augsburg’s inability to fully capitalize on a dominating start to the second half was eventually exposed by a 91st minute winner from substitute Daniel Ginczek, who was the beneficiary of a brilliant slaloming run by fullback Kevin Mbabu.  Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. Prior to the COVID-imposed break Wolfsburg were in the […]

At the biggest and most historic clubs, winning is no longer the only thing that matters. Such is the nature of the modern day European super club: success is to be achieved following a positive style of play, which itself is to be drawn from history and subjected to the stringent scrutiny of supporters. Luckily […]

Once regarded as one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s decline post-1970’s has tainted a city so rich in football history. However, the club’s latest managerial appointment has produced the most exciting brand of football since their golden generation. High pressing, rapid transitions and a remarkable tactical framework has put Gladbach back on their way […]

Both teams challenged each other head-on in an often uninspiring affair, until individual mistakes kicked in to spark up the atmosphere of a game played behind closed doors.