Real Madrid’s clash with Real Sociedad was billed as the star fixture of the second matchday of LaLiga football. The guests controlled proceedings through their pressing and possession in their 4-2-3-1 shape, pinning back their opponents for much of the game. However, attacks petered out in the final third, as Madrid searched for a new […]
Neither side was able to create consistent offensive chances in a match that was defined by defensive adjustments. Both managers sought to stymie the other, with Pablo Machín using the full flexibility of his 3-1-4-2 formation against Betis’ lopsided 4-2-3-1 shape. Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell. After narrowly avoiding relegation Deportivo Alavés made […]
Real Madrid began the game in control, asserting their dominance by taking an early lead. But Leganés’ desperation grew, leading towards a hectic second half where a change in shape saw a tense conclusion to the domestic campaign…and a relegation. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Leganés have endured a rough season. Mired […]
It was all lining up to be a vintage Atlético Madrid performance. Simeone’s side had scored in the first half and confidently took place in their characteristic defensive block. The collective frustration of so many previously exasperated managers painted across the face of Imanol Alguacil, as his side tried fruitlessly to salvage a point. That […]
Despite the minimal chances separating the two sides, Sevilla controlled the match from start to finish. Their inventiveness, fluidity and intensity in both their possession play and their pressing stifled the visitors, who only offered a glimpse of high-intensity attacking plays right at the end of proceedings. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter Munnelly. After […]
A contest that evened itself out in the end was very much a game of two halves. Getafe showed their intent to strengthen their Europa League push, but were trumped in the second period as their defensive structure tired. Atleti’s grip on proceedings soon became unrelenting despite the approaching play in the same way they […]
In the penultimate set of LaLiga games, Real Madrid were presented an opportunity to seal the league title. The home side produced a dominant performance in all phases. Villarreal, suffocated in their 4-4-2 defensive shape, did not threaten to spoil the party until the dying minutes. This effort would not be enough as a Benzema […]
Real Sociedad’s decision to play a back three and combat Sevilla on the wings proved to be naïve, especially in the first 45 minutes – a period in which the visitors dominated possession and forced countless turnovers with a reliable press. The second half saw numerous adjustments from both managers, but in the end neither […]
Dominating the early stages of the game, Barcelona raced into an early lead with a once again successful 4-4-2 diamond shape. But while they controlled the first half, the visitors also struggled to turn possession into chance creation. And after fatigue hit them hard in the second half, Barcelona encouraged Valladolid forward, leading to a […]
A fortuitous early goal for Athletic Club provided a false sense of security, which led to the home side retreating deeper into their defensive shape. After a savvy change of shape and deft use of substitutes, Sevilla were able to capitalize on their opponent’s complacency and snatch a much-needed victory away from home. Tactical analysis […]