A decade ago, Atlético Madrid mastered the dark arts and embraced the discipline of defending to thwart the aristocracy. Though times have changed, the team still holds onto parts of that identity. As the German guests gained the high ground, Diego Simeone saw his men maneuver with wit and resilience to set up a grandstand finish […]
An intense clash between two German heavyweights unfolded at Signal Iduna Park on Friday night, delivering a thrilling opening league match to kick off the new year. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen went toe-to-toe in a five-goal spectacle that went down to the wire. Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed. The first match […]
Late finishes from Bayer Leverkusen are back in fashion, but maybe this was not as spectacular as some of their other last goals. Although they were able to connect through some short passing circuits, Leverkusen had been left frustrated with Internazionale who struggled to show attacking intentions. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]
Bayern Munich are back to beating up the Bundesliga but their brute force falls short of previous power. While it seems that they have only briefly lost their championship crown, the current kings of the country clipped ambitions with a cup knockout built on a familiar flaw. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. […]
Xabi Alonso attracted Anfield’s attention as a long lost son in the summer. However, the faithful in the Kop End have warmed to a different figure, who is leading the club on a prosperous path. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Bayer Leverkusen were one of the sensations of last season. In less […]
Eintracht Frankfurt hoped to keep their momentum after a strong result against Bayern München. However, reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen put a stop to their seven-game undefeated run with a narrow 2-1 victory. A match underscored by blunt finishing came down to the wire, with Victor Boniface pushing Xabi Alonso’s side over the finish line. Tactical […]
Bayern Munich dominated everything but the scoreline as they shared the spoils with Bayer Leverkusen in this early season title-contender clash. The visitors took the lead against the run of play, but the hosts equalized before half-time courtesy of a long-range Pavlovic half volley. Despite Bayern’s dominance in possession, territory and chances, Xabi Alonso’s side […]
Bayer Leverkusen live for the thrill of the escapade but at times, it is best if title contenders are content with dull and dreary success. The hosts had offered enough entertainment to their fans by the midway mark, but the spectacle spiraled out of their control. As their defense crumbled at the mercy of a […]
Bayer Leverkusen lost grip of their goal in Europe but the stranglehold in Germany is firmly theirs. A red card could have ruined their rigorous work in the first half of this final, but the response from their unfancied opponents was too meek to spoil the script on this occasion. Tactical analysis and match report […]
To end a run of three cup final defeats under Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta Bergamo needed to end Xabi Alonso’s winning machine for European glory. With an intense off-ball plan they made Bayer Leverkusen look unrecognizable, and Ademola Lookman was there to reap the rewards on a historic night in Dublin. Tactical analysis and match […]