José Mourinho switched to a somewhat surprising 3-4-3 formation for this Champions League return match. The switch appeared to bring Tottenham Hotspur slightly more joy, without surrendering the numerical advantage in wide buildup to RB Leipzig. However, the severely lacking cohesion in Spurs’ attacks – especially compared to Leipzig – made a telling difference. Tactical […]
A chaotic game saw both Atalanta and Valencia struggle to carry out their game plans, eventually falling victim to individual mistakes that set off a relentless shower of goals. Josip Iličić once more stood out as the leading force, with four goals to his name carrying Atalanta into the quarter-finals. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Despite an up-and-down league campaign, on paper, Juventus were overwhelming favourites and expected to ease past a Lyon side wallowing in seventh place in Ligue 1. Instead, the home side dug in their heels and delivered a stunning upset in front of a raucous crowd at Stade Groupama. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. […]
A conservative City was easily neutralized by a solid Real Madrid team in an encounter that saw both sides spar out until the home side’s fortunate goal triggered Guardiola’s reaction. With all guns out, Real Madrid were no match for City, slowly crumbling as the visitors rose to the top of the Bernabéu. Tactical analysis […]
A frustrating evening for the visitors came forth from their inadequacies in attack just as much as it was due to a very well-drilled and aggressive defense from their opponents. All the possession for Barça but only the one goal, albeit a crucial one, to show for it. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter […]
Bayern Munich’s flexible buildup with Joshua Kimmich and Thiago at the heart of things helped them to gain control of the game against Chelsea’s 5-2-3 pressing. The movement of the likes of Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry behind Chelsea’s midfield line proved hard for the home side to control. Bayern finally went ahead early in […]
Club football has entered its decisive phase, with lots to play for in every competition. With just two games left to play in the first knockout round, let’s focus on Wednesday’s ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by Sander IJtsma, José Pérez, K.T. Stockwell and Kareem Bianchi. Real Madrid […]
In the game following the Champions League defeat against Dortmund, PSG won against Bordeaux, yett failed to reassure completely because of defensive fragility and a set of new unavailable players. Tactical analysis and match report by Simon Piotr. After a game that went the wrong way tactically in Dortmund – in a 3-4-3 formation -PSG […]
Club football has entered its decisive phase, with lots to play for in every competition. Last week we previewed the first four matches of the knock-out stage. Today we focus on Tuesday’s ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by Manasvin Andra, Kareem Bianchi and Joel Parker. Chelsea – […]
Atalanta’s offense troubled Valencia from the start, with attackers popping in and out of spaces to combine and draw the defending players out of position. Ultimately, though, it was the finishing that decided the first leg of this tie, as Valencia could not capitalize on their opponent’s defensive blind spots. Tactical analysis and match report […]