Internazionale – Atlético de Madrid: Inter Take The Initiative (1-0)

The first half of this game was a quiet and cautious affair, as neither team really took control. However, in the second half Inter were able to assert themselves with good wing-attacks down the right and direct play to the strikers, and eventually got their reward with a late winner.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Internazionale faced Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League Round of Sixteen having finished second in their group to Real Sociedad. Domestically though, they have been in dominant form as they steamroll Serie A, nine points ahead of Juventus with a game in hand. Atlético’s recent form has been less impressive, losing against Sevilla and Athletic Club as they cling onto a top four place in La Liga.

Simone Inzaghi’s side lined up in a 3-5-2 formation here, with a back three of Benjamin Pavard, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni. Matteo Darmian and Federico Dimarco were the wing-backs, while the midfield three comprised of Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Marcus Thuram then partnered Lautaro Martínez up front.

Diego Simeone’s side used a 3-4-3 shape, with Axel Witsel, José María Giménez, and Mario Hermoso in the back three. Koke and Rodrigo De Paul . . .