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 ideas, they dominated possession for large parts of the match. However, with the pressure mounting, the hosts proved unable to put the ball in the net despite Galtier’s adjustments. […]

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 machine was not an easy task. A Burak Yilmaz masterpiece and a clumsy red card for Clément Michelin then forced the hosts right into a heavy defeat. Tactical analysis […]

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 on a few occasions with the wide areas looking especially susceptible to danger. Lille grabbed a fairly early lead and held off their hosts to grab a result with […]

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 Niko Kovač’ 3-4-2-1 shape. The game became at times anarchic but neither the players nor the coaches could find a way to give their team the incredibly valuable win. […]

Ajax had nearly 65% possession and limited Lille to only three shots in the entire match. As one of those shots resulted in a goal, Lille seemed to sneak away with the win, despite an average performance. A little help from the referee put Ajax on track to equalize and even snatch the win in […]

A sterile match wherein the game state changed infrequently suited Lille fine, as the nil-nil draw saw Christophe Galtier’s side move back to the top of the table. PSG’s 3-5-2 formation once again struggled to produce anything in possession, as the reigning champions remain in a provisional third place. Tactical analysis and match report by […]

A red card to Marcelo in the second half changed the tide of a fixture that seemed to be edging in Lyon’s favour. However, after the sending off the visitors failed to register an attempt on goal and were saved only by the questionable management of their opponent. Galtier made one change to a blunt […]

On a rainy night in Nice neither Christophe Galtier nor Patrick Vieira were able to coax the best out of their sides. The latter’s inability to harness a consistent buildup was on full display, as the home side’s 3-4-2-1 formation sputtered throughout the course of the evening. The same can be said for Lille, as […]

Early high pressure from Lens proved fruitless, as Lille’s buildup quickly adjusted and was able to expose gaping holes through midfield, while flooding the visitor’s backline with a kaleidoscope of attacking movement. Lille would go on to deliver a victory that moved them to the top of the table and set them up as Paris […]

Lille’s 4-4-2 defensive block and well-timed pressing frustrated Marseille’s buildup throughout the match – leading the visitors to multiple midfield recoveries and effective offensive transitions. However, poor finishing and a confusing change of shape from Christophe Galtier late in the match would undo much of Lille’s good work, as they were forced to settle for […]