It was all lining up to be a vintage Atlético Madrid performance. Simeone’s side had scored in the first half and confidently took place in their characteristic defensive block. The collective frustration of so many previously exasperated managers painted across the face of Imanol Alguacil, as his side tried fruitlessly to salvage a point. That […]
A contest that evened itself out in the end was very much a game of two halves. Getafe showed their intent to strengthen their Europa League push, but were trumped in the second period as their defensive structure tired. Atleti’s grip on proceedings soon became unrelenting despite the approaching play in the same way they […]
Quique Setién’s latest buildup experiment featured Riqui Puig at the tip of a midfield diamond and fullbacks used as wingers. While this helped Barcelona protect themselves against Atlético’s counterattacks, it failed to disorder Atlético’s defense and win a game with few open play chances and no major tactical changes during the second half. Tactical analysis […]
Athletic Club and Atlético Madrid present striking similarities both in appearance and in tactics. The Red and White home kits and the layout of the club crests reveal their common roots, and their physical presences and effective defensive blocks show a comparable tactical identity. Both team’s well-structured work off the ball kept the shot count […]
The game played out largely as most predicted it would, with Atlético in a low block 4-4-2 shape fending off Liverpool wave after Liverpool wave. Strong goalkeeping and emergency defending from Atlético kept them in the game, but Liverpool were able to take it to extra-time thanks to Georginio Wijnaldum’s goal. Chaos then descended as […]
Saúl’s fourth minute goal set the scene for the rest of the game as it allowed Atlético Madrid to do what they do best – defend in a low block. Liverpool were unable to find the solution to crack Atlético’s compact 4-4-2 shape as the home side cleared almost everything that came into their penalty […]
The world’s most watched competition is back, with a splendid series of knockout matchups. In this piece, we preview the first two ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by José Pérez and K.T. Stockwell. Atlético Madrid – Liverpool Liverpool Tyrannical dominance of the Premier League, current Champions League […]
Facing off twenty four hours early in light of midweek Champions League fixtures, Atlético Madrid and Valencia played an important game for two sides whose domestic seasons now center upon securing elite European football next year. Four goals, equally shared, ensued in a fixture where the hosts were more deserving of all three points and […]
In keeping with the intensely-fought stalemates of recent history, it was refreshing to see an emphasis on opposition-specific tactics rewarded with a deadlock-breaker. Were it not for half-time changes two very interesting attacking setups may well have continued to frustrate themselves rather than their opponent. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter Munnelly. Since the […]
Real Madrid needed penalty kicks to decide a close game where both teams could not break down the opponent. In the first half, Atlético’s pressing game dominated, yet Real’s defense did not allow them to turn that control into shots. In the second half, substitutions caused the game to be played at a faster pace, […]