Atlético Madrid controlled the game from beginning to end and relied on their defenders to make the difference up front. Real Sociedad tried to respond with counter-attacks and their own spells of possession on numerous occasions, but their weak attack consistently came up short against Atlético’s solid defensive structure. Diego Simeone’s men hosted Real Sociedad […]
Julen Lopetegui is not a enviable man. Of course, most people would not think twice when they get the chance to become manager of Real Madrid. But Lopetegui got his chance in very special circumstances. He doesn’t just have to deal with the usual over-the-top expectations that come with this job. He has to do […]
Barcelona won the battle for the top spot in LaLiga in a game where some of the stars had to shine to see off a dangerous Sevilla side. However, an injury picked up by Lionel Messi means bad news for the next few games. It has been an odd start to LaLiga’s season with the […]
After a close, uneventful first half, Villarreal shifted from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 scheme and dominated an Atlético who still struggled to find good offensive mechanisms. The saves of Jan Oblak were vital to prevent a Villarreal victory. Villarreal came into this match as the biggest expected goal underperformers in LaLiga, with only 6 […]
Alavés rewarded their excellent performance and near-perfect game plan with a last-second winner, which allows them to catch Real Madrid in LaLiga’s table. Real Madrid complete their fourth match in a row without scoring, having lost three of those, and talks about a true ‘crisis’ are surely about to increase in the capital. Real Madrid […]
The Basque Derby at the San Mamés Stadium was surprisingly won by Real Sociedad, who missed almost a third of their squad due to injuries and suspensions. Their defensive approach turned Athletic’s attacks into a predictable and easily defended festival of crosses into the box. The Basque Derby remains curiously calm off the pitch, with […]
Real Madrid started this game having not won a single Madrid derby at home in LaLiga since 2012. A trend that lived on after the ninety minutes came and went. Thus, despite some good adjustments from Real manager Julen Lopetegui in the second half, Atlético Madrid’s rock-solid defense fended off Dani Ceballos and co. and […]
At last, a goal for Loren Morón helped Real Betis seal a truly dominant win over Girona at the Montilivi. Quique Setién’s tactical changes paid dividends once again as he masterminded a win over Eusebio Sacristán’s men. Girona fielded three changes from the eleven that started in their 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou on […]
What happens if you manage to win every duel in midfield, score at least one goal out of set pieces and turn a corner kick of the opponent into a goal in your favour? Well, you become almost unbeatable. You can even beat Real Madrid with a clear, let’s say, 3-0. If you ever can: […]
Eusebio Sacristán knows Barcelona both as an opponent and from within, having spent part of his own coaching journey with the club’s B team. While managing Real Sociedad, he had plenty of success against the Barça, especially at Anoeta, with his high press and technical midfield always a combination that caused Barça plenty of problems. […]