Decline of domestic domination ought to signal success for these two clubs closer to home. However, affairs have not lived up to expectations, forcing the bright lights of the Champions League to harbor their hopes and dreams. While only one side seemed ready for the seriousness of these stakes, the midway mark of the tie […]
Xavi Hernández’s Barça moved back into second place in LaLiga after a great game against Atleti. Lewandowski and Ter Stegen completed great performances that reminded us of old times and João Félix completed his cold and expected revenge. Tactical analysis and match report by Xavi Sánchez. We decided to make this article free to read. If […]
Internazionale showed some of their fluid 3-5-2 system in possession during this game, although were not able to create many clear chances. Atlético De Madrid meanwhile took time to grow into the game with their wing-focused 3-4-3 formation, but eventually were able to build enough pressure to equalize the tie, before winning the resulting penalty […]
The first half of this game was a quiet and cautious affair, as neither team really took control. However, in the second half Inter were able to assert themselves with good wing-attacks down the right and direct play to the strikers, and eventually got their reward with a late winner. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Valverde’s team managed to leave the Metropolitano with an advantage. Athletic’s high and fierce pressing was once again their main offensive weapon, making Atlético de Madrid uncomfortable and causing them to lose many balls in dangerous areas. The reaction of Simeone’s team in the second half was insufficient and the semi-final of the Copa del […]
El Derbi drained its energy from the first two meetings of its contestants at the start of the year. Without the excitement of extra time, the clubs only served up two goals in a clash where Real might have been better, but their rivals refused to relent— exploiting a glaring flaw till the end. Tactical […]
Mimicking the madness from the most recent contest of Madrid’s best clubs would be nearly impossible. In the end, the two outfits did a formidable job. Two fewer goals but no less action, some stellar solo plays, and the grit to compete contributed to another show for the observer. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
It is not in the DNA of Real Madrid to quit. A manic match in Saudi Arabia was more proof of this indomitable quality. The bragging rights returned to the white half of the Spanish capital— at least for the next seven days— as the new year reinforced the same standard for success. Tactical analysis […]
Atlético Madrid’s source of strength has been their home fortress. However, the form book between these two sides foresaw what turned out to be a more even duel. A fresh face in the dugout conjured old magic from the well of the visitors, forcing their opponents to dig deep. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Real Madrid have been finding their feet without the pillars of their team, but their city rivals dealt a blow to the boisterousness in the camp. Atlético ripped apart their rearguard thanks to a frailty that the hosts had identified, bringing to attention doubts at the other end of the pitch. Tactical analysis and match […]