Against a well-organized RC Lens defense, PSG’s buildup proved to be, at times, ineffective. However, some mistakes by the guests afforded the talent of PSG to counterattack in open space; an unstoppable Neymar reaped the benefits and gave the hosts the win. RC Lens kept their identity throughout the match and almost ended up equalizing.  […]

The battle at the top of the table gifted viewers an exciting five-goal contest. The fluid Monaco system often matched that of Lyon while also creating advantages in the wide areas. Lyon threatened space well and great efforts by their star man highlighted a frenzied end to the clash. Tactical analysis and match report by […]

Although Strasbourg’s defensive approach out of a 4-4-2 shape had holes that Paris Saint-Germain could exploit, it was mainly in transition where the Paris side’s individual quality claimed the points. Despite the scoreline, the defensive frailties on display led to a not-so-comfortable outing for PSG. Tactical analysis and match report by Julian Chingoma. The upcoming […]

Paris Saint-Germain were sure to have control of the ball but were faced by Lille’s stubborn 4-4-2 shape. And defensively, the Paris outfit were cut open on a few occasions with the wide areas looking especially susceptible to danger. Lille grabbed a fairly early lead and held off their hosts to grab a result with […]

In a match that acted as an example of the interconnectivity of the four phases of the game, a well-balanced PSG side scored four goals before the hour mark despite Garcia’s thought-out defensive plan. In the end, some tactical corrections by the French coach and loss of concentration by the guests almost brought OL back […]

Nice’s 4-3-3 shape managed to expose Olympique Marseille’s weaknesses. With time passing and Jorge Sampaoli making the necessary tactical changes, the guests took control. A careless mistake however led to a second Nice goal and the end of Marseille’s chances to win. Tactical analysis and match report by Thanos Chelas. In a season in which their […]

Monaco’s different defensive shapes kept a Lille side lacking buildup ideas quiet. Lille showed they are masters of the  defensive fundamentals in their 4-4-2 block, neutralizing Niko Kovač’ 3-4-2-1 shape. The game became at times anarchic but neither the players nor the coaches could find a way to give their team the incredibly valuable win. […]

A team with an already established style of play faced an opponent in search of identity. As a result, different formations, ways to press and buildup approaches were on full display. Stade Brestois dominated for long periods of time, however their lack of quality in the final third, Olivier Dall’Oglio’s risks and Jorge Sampaoli’s tactical […]

Lyon and Marseille did their best to undermine each other’s hopes for progress this season. Both sides plodding through ninety unfocused minutes on their way to an undeserved single point. A grand total of three shots on target was indicative of how wayward both offenses were, especially when considering the porous defending and petulant behaviour […]

Monaco manager Niko Kovać’s decision to switch to a back three made the difference in a match that saw the visitors dominate PSG without the ball. Monaco oscillated between various defensive looks and nullified a PSG attack that looked so formidable against Barcelona.  Tactical analysis and match report by K.T. Stockwell.  A hammering of Barcelona […]