A perplexing formation change from Thomas Tuchel gave way to a confused Paris Saint-Germain performance, as Europe’s most potent offense sputtered away from home. The disorderly guests allowed Dortmund to ply their trade on the counterattack and lean on the dynamism of their young striker. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. Heading into […]
The world’s most watched competition is back, with a splendid series of knockout matchups. In this piece, we preview the first two ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by José Pérez and K.T. Stockwell. Atlético Madrid – Liverpool Liverpool Tyrannical dominance of the Premier League, current Champions League […]
Salzburg started the match furiously but could not hold on for long. Liverpool controlled most parts of the first half, but had some issues that invited Salzburg to create chances. Jürgen Klopp’s minor tweaks in the second half gave his team a comfortable lead, which they were able to defend until the final whistle. Tactical […]
Barcelona came to Inter with a rotated team and a different system to what they usually use. They struggled at times against the high pressing of Inter, but after establishing possession higher up the pitch, Inter found themselves becoming quite passive, allowing Barcelona long spells with the ball. The game seemed to be heading for […]
Valencia were, as always, tough in their way of playing and made life difficult for their opponents. Ajax’s frustrations will most likely have been down to their own inadequacies, as an electric atmosphere could not take the hosts the extra yard needed to qualify for the knockout rounds. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter […]
Against an already eliminated Lille, Ajax had to win to secure their positions as leader of group H. Despite not having their best game in the season, the Dutch were efficient at both ends of the field. Lille created a few good chances, without converting. Tactical analysis and match report by Simon Piotr. Already eliminated […]
In the first half both teams pressed high, but only Barcelona were able to create turnovers from these situations. Aided by a faulty Dortmund defense, Barcelona went into half-time with a comfortable two-goal lead. Dortmund saw lots of the ball after the game restarted, but only really created chances when the game was already played. […]
Both sides shared their frustrations in possession, but Liverpool struggled the most, in their attempts to question a very well-organized Napoli 4-4-2 deep block. Napoli’s clinical edge gave them the advantage for the majority of the match, but it were Klopp’s changes which offered Liverpool a way back in. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Juventus and Atlético Madrid each clearly dominated one half, but also displayed their repeated issues to convert dominance into chances. Eventually, Juventus edged the game with a Paulo Dybala free kick rocket, securing the group’s top spot and showing a positive response – at least results-wise – to the questions raised after recent struggles. Tactical […]
The match started promising, with chances on both sides and the Austrians taking an early lead. However, after that goal Napoli clearly dominated for the rest of the first half, rewarding their performance with Lozano’s equalizer. Jesse Marsch’s tactical adjustment at half-time allowed for a more balanced second half, with neither team able to find […]