In the opening round of the Europa League, Manchester United showed the exact same structural problems that have been around for a long time. Lacking control, United allowed a brave and well-structured FC Twente a way back into the match, and ultimately paid the price. Tactical analysis and match report by Sander IJtsma. We decided […]
To end a run of three cup final defeats under Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta Bergamo needed to end Xabi Alonso’s winning machine for European glory. With an intense off-ball plan they made Bayer Leverkusen look unrecognizable, and Ademola Lookman was there to reap the rewards on a historic night in Dublin. Tactical analysis and match […]
No one can rush the divinities. Their ways are higher than humanity’s. The goddess has blessed a blue and black collective in the north of Italy with greater gifts during the past. However, this might finally turn out to be the year when her smile signals silverware the way of their cabinet. Tactical analysis and […]
Bayer Leverkusen had a two goal cushion coming into the second leg, but they found themselves pegged back despite dominating proceedings, as AS Roma scored twice. Daniele De Rossi did implement some effective changes to aid that, but by now, it seems inevitable what Leverkusen will do after conceding. Two goals in the final ten […]
Bayer Leverkusen just seem unstoppable at the moment. Facing one of Italy’s most in-form teams in a European semi-final was no easy feat, yet Leverkusen displayed remarkable control and poise (once again). Xabi Alonso’s tactical adjustments also proved pivotal, leaving Roma struggling to find solutions. While there’s still another leg to play, it was evident […]
Bayer Leverkusen dominated this game from the start with their fluid possession game in a 3-4-3 system against West Ham’s low-block defending, as well as aggressive counterpressing. They experienced a slight lull in the second half, but Xabi Alonso’s substitutions eventually helped them to a 2-0 victory. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Runaway […]
The Anfield din has been the undoing of many enemies. Last night, the stadium had greeted a strange survival strategy. Its latest test was an offensive that dared to suffocate and strangle the Reds before the arrival of any attack. It worked down to a tee, leaving Liverpool lost for words. Tactical analysis and match […]
The Seagulls flew to Rome with dreams of a memorable night at the Stadio Olimpico, but their performance will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Brighton & Hove Albion were flattened by a resurgent Roma, who effectively put the tie to bed in the first leg. Tactical analysis and match report by Neel Shelat. […]
After an apparently desired draw in the first leg, Roma and Feyenoord played their fifth match against each other in three years, this time back in the Italian capital. The Stadio Olimpico was the site of Feyenoord’s Europa League exit last season, and although it took penalties this time, history repeated itself. Tactical analysis and […]
For the third time in as many years, Feyenoord and Roma renewed their European rivalry. Led by José Mourinho in their last two encounters, the Italian side had emerged victorious on both occasions, but they were now without their Portuguese coach. Feyenoord were also missing a number of key players, so this turned out to […]