Juventus and Atlético Madrid put up a show of organized defending for the entire first half, before all hell broke loose and both teams started taking shots in quick succession. Hector Herrera’s equalizer finally restored order in a game that got progressively open and ended up as a high quality entertaining show of football. Tactical […]
Diego Simeone switching Atlético Madrid back into a 4-4-2 formation has made the team an effective pressing side. However, Real Sociedad countered that by pulling players out of position, breaking lines, and relying on a certain Martin Ødegaard. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. The derby defeat to Athletic Bilbao left a sour taste […]
Uncharacteristically poor penalty box defending from Atlético left them 2-0 down within twenty minutes. It took Atlético a while to finally break through the Eibar defense as their game relied somewhat on directness, even though they often created the structures for more intricate play. Diego Simeone made changes in the second half, including the introduction […]
Atlético Madrid are betting their future on the performance of their new signing, the young João Félix. In this article, we attempt to explain why Atlético needed a Griezmann successor so badly, why Félix could be that successor, and what tactics can Simeone and his staff use to build a good collective structure around him. […]
The Wanda Metropolitano in a celebratory mood saw Atlético de Madrid dominate a conservative but inefficient Sevilla side. By the hour mark, the hosts probably deserved to have the game won, but a surprise equalizer and a key tactical change by Joaquín Caparrós almost gave Sevilla FC a much needed win. Tactical analysis and match […]
Diego Simeone’s excellent use of the wings allowed Atlético Madrid a strong start, but a lulling deep block let Valencia back in it. The second half was more of a boxing match, with each side trading blows until a magnificent strike nine minutes from time sealed the game. Tactical analysis and match report by Tom […]
In the key game to decide LaLiga’s title race, Barcelona ultimately defeated Atlético. In the first half hour, this was an even match, with a surprisingly proactive Atlético, until Diego Costa was sent off. After the 30th minute, Atlético retreated into a deep block and focused on counterattacks. Only the ever-decisive Suárez and Messi were […]
Juventus completed a spectacular comeback against Atlético. In the first sixty minutes of the game, Juventus players executed Allegri’s masterplan to perfection, overwhelming Atlético with crosses and winning second balls. Simeone evened out the tables in a cagey final half hour in which both teams mostly nullified each other, but a late penalty allowed Ronaldo […]
Atlético deservedly won the first leg of their tie against Juventus by following the classic Simeone playbook: outstanding defensive organization, good attacking transitions, and a decisive set-piece game. Juventus did not create scoring chances and Allegri and his players did not react well – both tactically and emotionally – to Atlético’s superiority. Tactical analysis and […]
Isn’t this the best time of the year? The winter cold slowly fades away, to be replaced by the thin and hopeful sunlight of early spring. Club football enters its decisive phase, with lots to play for in every competition. After a set of very enjoyable Champions league ties last week and a double goalless […]