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 […]
The same undue agitation that helped Graham Potter attain his new post in west London may be his undoing if Chelsea’s results are not to the owner’s palette. Thankfully, his men got over the line with a display whose parallels to the recent past exhibited the class of one key figure. Tactical analysis and match […]
The top two of Group H in the Champions League crossed paths in one of the standout fixtures of Wednesday night. The top two of Group H in the Champions League crossed paths in one of the standout fixtures of Wednesday night. Paris Saint-Germain were of course the favourites for this fixture given the qualitative […]
Vying for the right to get into the knockout stages, Ajax stole a march on their guests. But they committed the cardinal sin of upsetting a volcano. A rupture in the fabric of the natural scene in south Italy over the summer has set off a fatal eruption to which the Dutch were a brutal […]
Barcelona dominated possession here but struggled to get through Inter’s compact 5-3-2 shape, finding themselves with a lot of u-shaped circulation. Hakan Çalhanoğlu netted from range at the end of the first half, which left Barcelona chasing the game against a defensive scheme that they ultimately did not have the answers to. Tactical analysis and […]
If Manchester City’s game plan does not break you, their quality will. In a game where Borussia Dortmund once again showed the home team have not peaked, turning to an old formation as a basis to compete, an alteration paved the way for two decisive and spectacular acts of brilliance. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Barcelona’s high pressing earned them the right to play most of the game in Bayern’s side of the pitch in the first half. However, two quick Bayern goals after half-time changed the momentum and the home side were able to win 2-0 with a fairly comfortable second half. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh […]
The second round of fixtures in the Champions League began with an evening kick-off on Tuesday between the early pacesetters in Group D. Lisbon hosted Sporting’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, with the winner set to place themselves in a prime position to go on and win the group. It was the home side that kept […]