AZ’s defensive woes domestically were all but forgotten, as Slot’s side showed commitment and resilience in their 4-4-2 medium block – fending off Napoli for a victory at the Stadio San Paolo. The hosts were uncomfortable being forced into retaining so much possession, as the individual quality of their wingers was nullified by AZ’s defensive […]
As the world yearns for a sense of “normality”, Sevilla getting their hands on the Europa League is the closest we have got so far. After neatly exploiting Internazionale’s pressing structure, Sevilla would constantly evade pressure and produce smart combinations within their buildup. In the end, the game would not be defined by oozing moves […]
A dominance of possession came to nothing as structural issues in attack surfaced for Shakhtar Donetsk. Inter’s stern 5-3-2 defensive block proved to be impenetrable for the toiling Shakhtar outfit. Inter’s high press caused Shakhtar into buildup errors which the Italians ruthlessly capitalized on, to claim a win that never looked under threat. Tactical analysis […]
Impressive fluidity during the buildup combined with world-class performances from Éver Banega, Joan Jordán and Yassine Bounou sent Sevilla to their sixth Europa League final. Ole Gunnar Solskjær did not have an answer to every single tactical problem that his Spanish counterpart presented him, but could have still left as a winner if his defenders […]
A versatile buildup system and exploiting FC Basel on the transition rewarded Shakhtar Donetsk with the third Europa League semi-final in the club’s history. Their central focus overwhelmed their opponents, while Basel’s own passing structure lacked the balance or the bite to get themselves back into the game. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel […]
Wolves missed a penalty in the twelfth minute and never recovered, as they slowly drowned in the waves of Sevilla counterpressing. Chance creation was at a premium for the Spanish side against a staunch Wolves defense. But one goal was all they were ever going to need, as Lopetegui’s side laid down another marker on […]
Peter Bosz’ pre-match gamble proved to be unrealistic as Antonio Conte outdid his Dutch counterpart tactically with the help of stunning performances by Romelu Lukaku and Nicolò Barella. Inter, once again, could not convert many of their chances, which prevented them from sealing the match at any point earlier than the final whistle, although they […]
København managed to impose themselves on their illustrious opponents. Not only defensively, using their high press and deep compactness, but also offensively, through both their direct play and a possession-based approach. But as time passed by, København were worn down by Manchester United’s incessant attacks which were mainly facilitated via their wide buildup. A magical […]
From minute one it was pure dominance from Sevilla, whose heavy pressing, wing-based attack and passive possession style was far too much for a fledgling Roma. Julen Lopetegui’s side looked determined to set a standard in a competition they have enjoyed a great deal of success in throughout the years. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Wolfsburg began the game with intent, pressing from their 4-4-2 shape to force Shakhtar Donetsk into uncomfortable situations. However, the hosts grew into the game, showing how powerful dribbling is as an offensive tool to take apart their opponents in the dying embers of the game. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Shakhtar Donetsk entered this […]