Getafe – Villarreal: Villarreal Keep Their Champions League Hopes Alive With A Huge Away Win (1-3)

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 zone.

Tactical analysis and match report by Thanos Chelas.

José Bordalás lined up his team in their usual 4-4-2 formation with a defensive line consisting of Allan Romeo Nyom, Djené, Xabier Etxeita and Mathías Olivera protecting David Soria between the posts. Marc Cucurella and Jason flanked the central midfielder duo consisting of David Timor and Mauro Arambarri. Upfront, Jaime Mata was supported by Nemanja Maksimović, whose defensive tasks included protecting the midfield line and also marking an opposition midfielder.

Javi Calleja’s very fluid 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1 formation included Sergio Asenjo as the goalkeeper behind the central defense duo of Raúl Albiol and Pau Torres with Raúl Peña and Alberto Moreno as fullbacks. Vicente Iborra, playing in front of the defense, was one of the primary orchestrators during the first phase of buildup. Zambo Anguissa and Santi Cazorla took on more attacking roles combining with the two wingers, Samuel Chukwueze and Javier Ontiveros, as well as with the striker Gerard Moreno.

Calleja’s ideas are not enough

Against a team that is thriving during periods of continuous transitions and is wanting to provoke physical combats all over the field, the Villarreal coach presented his team with a clear plan in order to control the game . . .