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 […]
Quique Setién’s latest buildup experiment featured Riqui Puig at the tip of a midfield diamond and fullbacks used as wingers. While this helped Barcelona protect themselves against Atlético’s counterattacks, it failed to disorder Atlético’s defense and win a game with few open play chances and no major tactical changes during the second half. Tactical analysis […]
Getafe’s clash with Real Sociedad offered two teams vying for Champions League football the chance to rediscover their rhythm. The hosts grabbed the opportunity, strangling Sociedad with their aggression and intensity in the first half. Though the visitors battled their way back into the contest, Jaime Mata’s timely intervention sealed a crucial result for Getafe […]