Ligue 1
Lille LOSC – AS Saint-Étienne: Defensively Solid Saint-Étienne Leads Nervous LOSC To Last Matchday Thriller (0-0)
In their first “match point” towards the Ligue 1 title, Lille found themselves against a greatly organized defense. Facing no big problems against Claude Puel’s buildup
Stade Rennais – Paris Saint-Germain: A Guirassy Header Hurts PSG’s Title Hopes (1-1)
With Lille defeating RC Lens, winning this match was a must for PSG. Despite being unable to press Rennes with consistency, the guests created many chances
RC Lens – Lille LOSC: Lille Wins Derby Du Nord And Takes Huge Step Towards Ligue 1 Title (0-3)
A very early goal by the guests changed any game plans made by RC Lens. Having to dominate possession for long periods against Galtier’s well-oiled defensive
Paris Saint-Germain – RC Lens : Neymar Leads PSG’s Push Towards The Title (2-1)
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
AS Monaco – Olympique Lyonnais: Lyon Endure Late Chaos To Bolster Champions League Hopes (2-3)
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
RC Strasbourg – Paris Saint-Germain: PSG Keep Pace In The Hunt For The Title (1-4)
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
Paris Saint-Germain – LOSC Lille: Lille Now At The Forefront Of Title Picture (0-1)
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
Olympique Lyonnais – Paris Saint-Germain: PSG Storm Past OL And Towards The Title (2-4)
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
OGC Nice – Olympique Marseille: Sampaoli Unable To Cover Marseille’s Weaknesses Against Youthful Nice (3-0)
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
AS Monaco – LOSC Lille: A Goalless Draw As Lille And Monaco Neutralize Each Other (0-0)
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