Real Sociedad struggled to create chances against a rock-solid Atlético who not only defend well but also attack with extreme efficiency. The home side displayed some brilliant possession football in the first half hour but could not turn their possessions into shots. Atlético slowly adjusted to their opponents to turn the tables, and then broke […]
Ronald Koeman bit the bullet on the 4-2-3-1 shape, sending out his team with the aim to blow away Valencia with flair in the final third. Yet, the switch failed with a mix of offensive sterility and issues controlling transition exposing how problems lie much deeper than the formation. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. After […]
Strikes from Jordi Alba and Frenkie de Jong proved sufficient for Barcelona to beat Sociedad, but what truly impressed was the dominant nature of this win. Better spacing on the pitch and dynamic ball movement demonstrated what Ronald Koeman’s side can do, as they stacked up the shot count though without the required clinical edge. […]
El Derbi Madrileño pitted the league leaders against a side that has struggled for consistency in defense of their title. But a lackluster display from the visitors and a strong opening phase from the hosts lay the groundwork for a result that showed the old guard would not lay down their crown without a fight. […]
In a game between two sides whose final third output rarely mirrors their control of the ball, the match flowed as one might expect. Real Madrid and Sevilla traded spells of possession in a tight affair, but it was ultimately a mistake that separated the two sides at the final whistle. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel […]
It was quite the struggle for these opponents when it came to the creation of clear-cut chances – despite positive periods for both. They each faced off against similarly narrow shapes and each battled a high press. The result saw regular direct play on show with the flanks attracting plenty of attention, as Sociedad came […]
Entering this game off the back of a drubbing, Real Madrid’s early strike saw them start the match as they would have liked to go on. However, their control of the ball gradually waned, and Villarreal’s personnel adjustments in their 4-3-3 shape bore fruit late in the day. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. After his […]
After the first twenty-five minutes, it seemed as if Real Madrid would saunter to another three points. But some dubious defending in their 4-4-2 shape and similarly controversial officiating resulted in a remarkable goalscoring feat from the spot and a resounding final score. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Valencia entered the new season […]
For what had appeared to be a rather limited strategy for ball progression from Ronald Koeman soon turned into an irrepressible one. Once Manuel Pellegrini’s side felt forced to switch their pressing scope from the Dutch magician, Frenkie de Jong, on Pedri instead, they then found themselves in deep waters, trying to steady a forever-sinking […]
Sevilla started the game well, combining composure with a neat adjustment to their 4-1-4-1 shape to control the opening stages of the game. But unable to improve their advantage, Athletic’s growing pressure and sloppy mistakes in buildup turned the game on its head. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Athletic Club entered this matchup on a […]