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 […]
Two penalties proved to be the only solution for Villarreal, as the execution of Calleja’s match plan, which had to open up Getafe’s structures, was smothered by a solid defense. By taking a lead twice, Villarreal turned a tactical encounter into a more exciting match, as Getafe were forced to play out of their comfort […]
Firmly league leaders, Real Madrid’s matchup with Athletic Club was billed as the biggest barrier to the visitors winning the domestic title. In a tight affair where both defenses stood firm, Sergio Ramos intervened from twelve yards to separate the two teams. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Athletic Club remain a stable outfit under the […]
As the scoreline shows, Quique Setién’s men made relatively light work of Javi Calleja’s Villarreal. Impressive fluidity and synchronization between teammates was at the core of Barcelona’s successes going forward, despite some nervy moments still creeping in down their own end. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter Munnelly. Having won five of their previous […]
Relentless and organized pressing was at the heart of this cagey affair, where the teams could only be separated by a spot kick. José Bordalás’ high-pressing machine put their bodies on the line to disrupt Zinédine Zidane’s side’s buildup, but waning intensity would inevitably lead to enough costly holes to result in heartbreak. Tactical analysis […]