The reformed Champions League leaves 16 teams to fight for a place in the knockout stages. In this all French fixture, the two clubs carried very differently sized burdens into the ordeal of this playoff. Thankfully for the Parisians, one of their oldest stars is flourishing in a new role of responsibility for the team, […]

Having met each of the past four seasons, matchups between Manchester City and Real Madrid have been dictated by Pep Guardiola’s meticulous game planning or Carlo Ancelotti’s raised eyebrow (or the power of “going brrr.”) When Pep attempted to raise his own, Real Madrid deservedly punished them at the death. Tactical analysis and match report […]

Adi Hütter had said his team needed to play a “fantastic match” if they wanted any chance of the three points that could catapult Monaco into the next round. However, their plan imploded. Serie A’s reigning champions romped toward a victory with a profitable night for their captain. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel […]

Manchester City, facing the threat of a shocking elimination from the Champions League, delivered when it mattered most on a crucial night. However, their victory did not come without its scares. Club Brugge showcased impressive defensive resilience in the first half, but Pep Guardiola’s tactical adjustments ultimately proved effective in the second, as three goals […]

Amongst the many major scalps that Gian Piero Gasperini has collected, during his European away trips with Atalanta Bergamo, not many have come from Spain. They were keen to change that and their off-ball plans did come to fruition, but both teams had effective routes down the channels that made this game very competitive. Tactical […]

Manchester City surrendered a two-goal difference at Parc des Princes, exacerbating their situation in the UEFA Champions League. Luis Enrique’s men rose from the ashes to turn the table ahead, banking four goals to put the cherry on the cake after an outstanding display on a rainy night in Paris. Tactical analysis and match report […]

A decade ago, Atlético Madrid mastered the dark arts and embraced the discipline of defending to thwart the aristocracy. Though times have changed, the team still holds onto parts of that identity. As the German guests gained the high ground, Diego Simeone saw his men maneuver with wit and resilience to set up a grandstand finish […]

Guardiola’s side had the ball, as almost always, but showed a fragile mentality like never before. At the same time, Juventus struck gold at home. Two sides of the same coin. Whilst Thiago Motta’s Juventus secured a Champions League victory after three matches, Pep’s side continues to sink. Both teams had contrasting approaches, but one […]

Adversity always brings out the best from Real Madrid. Backed into a corner and at risk of failing to get out of the group stage, a critical clash awaited with one of the most in-form outfits in Europe. But the suffering in this see-saw affair awarded them the three points they desired. Tactical analysis and […]

Late finishes from Bayer Leverkusen are back in fashion, but maybe this was not as spectacular as some of their other last goals. Although they were able to connect through some short passing circuits, Leverkusen had been left frustrated with Internazionale who struggled to show attacking intentions. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]