In the penultimate set of LaLiga games, Real Madrid were presented an opportunity to seal the league title. The home side produced a dominant performance in all phases. Villarreal, suffocated in their 4-4-2 defensive shape, did not threaten to spoil the party until the dying minutes. This effort would not be enough as a Benzema […]

Two penalties proved to be the only solution for Villarreal, as the execution of Calleja’s match plan, which had to open up Getafe’s structures, was smothered by a solid defense. By taking a lead twice, Villarreal turned a tactical encounter into a more exciting match, as Getafe were forced to play out of their comfort […]

As the scoreline shows, Quique Setién’s men made relatively light work of Javi Calleja’s Villarreal. Impressive fluidity and synchronization between teammates was at the core of Barcelona’s successes going forward, despite some nervy moments still creeping in down their own end. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter Munnelly.  Having won five of their previous […]

Both sides dominated one half in a blockbuster fixture that highlighted the attacking prowess of these two clubs. The first stanza belonged to the home team, who registered two goals, while three on-point half-time changes contributed to Sevilla’s second half demonstration of ball-possession and pressing acumen – making a draw a fitting result overall.  Tactical […]

The return of Spain’s top flight after the winter break saw a clash between two of the league’s in-form sides. Both teams had periods of good play and it was the visitors who managed to pull off the second half comeback in a tough away fixture. Tactical analysis and match report by Julian Chingoma. Real […]

In the first half, Villarreal’s attacking flair produced shot after shot against a patient Atlético, who produced fewer but higher quality chances. In the second half, both teams continued to trade punches, with João Félix leading the Atlético offense while Samu Chukwueze and Zambo Anguissa lead Villarreal’s attempts. Tactical analysis and match report by José […]

In their 3-5-2 formation, there were a large amount of tactical details that Betis tried to use to their advantage against Villarreal, without too much avail. After equalizing early in the second half, Betis allowed for a Villarreal goal fest, as manager Rubi will be left scratching his head at some of the meek defending […]

Thanks to better pressing, better finishing, and some tired Sevillan legs, Villarreal managed to win their first league game since November. Despite not producing a tactical master class or playing Sevilla off the pitch, this might spark Villarreal’s season back into life as they look to claw their way out of the relegation zone. Tactical […]

After a close, uneventful first half, Villarreal shifted from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 scheme and dominated an Atlético who still struggled to find good offensive mechanisms. The saves of Jan Oblak were vital to prevent a Villarreal victory. Villarreal came into this match as the biggest expected goal underperformers in LaLiga, with only 6 […]