Olympique de Marseille were at their marauding best as they demolished Ajax at the Stade Vélodrome. The last time these two teams met, they played out a thrilling and evenly matched 3-3 draw, but there would be nothing even about their reunion, as Igor Paixão led Marseille to victory. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
This clash was a contest between clubs at the opposite ends of their processes. Spurs spoiled a special night for Scandinavian football, but Thomas Frank felt far more uncomfortable back on Nordic soil than he should have done as his group ground their way to with a point by full time. Tactical analysis and match […]
Atlético Madrid put a frustrating start to their European campaign firmly behind them with a commanding 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The hosts, led by a brilliant performance from Julián Álvarez, were clinical in attack and showcased a breadth of attacking options, a stark contrast to their previous Champions League […]
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the Champions League first round of the league phase provided an entertaining competition between two well-matched sides. Careless mistakes from the visitors and a brace from Harry Kane sealed a deserved win for Vincent Kompany’s team that has started the season strongly. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Dino Toppmöller has hit 100 games at Eintracht Frankfurt and he had an even bigger reason to smile on Thursday night. His men hit a few stumbling blocks but seized the moment against a talented, if misshapen Turkish opponent to begin the European campaign in the best way. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel […]
Luis Enrique’s men once again delivered another football recital, dismantling the Italian pressing system, with Nuno Mendes shining as what he truly is: the best full-back on the planet. Tactical analysis and match report by Juan Lauz. The clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta was one of the most attractive fixtures of this opening phase of […]
FC Barcelona arrived at St James’ Park on the back of a convenient 6-0 win against Valencia while Newcastle were coming off a decisive win against Wolves. The two teams locked horns for the first time since March 2003, when goals from Patrick Kluivert and Thiago Motta secured a 2-0 away victory for the Catalan […]
Liverpool kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a late, dramatic win. Mohamed Salah set the Anfield early on fire, assisting Robertson before adding a goal himself. Yet, Marcus Llorente, reminiscing about his memories at Anfield, struck twice to level the tie. Virgil Van Dijk’s late header underlined Liverpool’s enduring knack for late goals. […]
The balance of this match was determined early on by Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s red card. From that point on, it was attack versus defense, with City trying to break down Napoli’s five-man low-block defense. Eventually they broke through in the second half thanks to excellent moments from the likes of Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and […]
Real Madrid took control of their Champions League opener thanks to their intensity out of possession and constant exploitation of Marseille’s disorganized defensive scheme. Roberto De Zerbi’s men showed their trademark intent in possession but were repeatedly undone by their lack of compactness and confusion in the press. Tactical analysis and match report by Sebastián […]