No one can rush the divinities. Their ways are higher than humanity’s. The goddess has blessed a blue and black collective in the north of Italy with greater gifts during the past. However, this might finally turn out to be the year when her smile signals silverware the way of their cabinet. Tactical analysis and […]
An entertaining first half gave way to a more mellow finish as the cauldron-like Stade Vélodrome saw another important if not famous European night. Olympique de Marseille and Atalanta BC were evenly matched and the Europa League semi-final remains firmly in the balance. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland. The very fact […]
A late defensive error from RC Lens allowed Olympique de Marseille to claim all three points in a game that felt far more open than its eventual scoreline. It was a sign of how off the pace last season’s second and third-placed teams have been, that as they were scrapping at the lower ends of […]
A first half played with one eye on their upcoming European commitments gave way to a thrilling demolition of Olympique de Marseille at the hands of Lille OSC. Lille demonstrated their threat ahead of a midweek contest against Aston Villa, while for Marseille a visit from Benfica looks like a worrying possibility. Tactical analysis and […]
Olympique de Marseille hosted Paris Saint-Germain in the biggest fixture in French football that has become far more about pride over the title race. Marseille were searching for their first win at home against their eternal rivals in thirteen years, while the league leaders were looking to consolidate their grip at the top of the […]
Bordeaux’s decision to bring more high pressure early in the second half unsettled PSG’s three-man buildup and in the end led to the match’s tying goal. However, it was the home side’s lack of defensive fortitude and refusal to put in the requisite work in all four phases of the game that was their ultimate […]
Against a team that presented problems in all phases of the game, Olympique Lyonnais dominated possession and wasted their chances as manager Rudi Garcia made some questionable changes in the second half. Bordeaux adjusted their defensive approach three times and, in the end, managed to get a point. Tactical analysis and match report by Thanos Chelas. […]
Saint-Étienne dominated this game almost from start to finish, using healthy combination play to regularly bypass Reims’ aggressive defense. While Reims did create some chances, they had trouble imposing themselves for most of the game. Tactical analysis and match report by Siddharth Ramsundar. This game between two top-half Ligue 1 sides presented a clash of […]
This past week has been one of confidence building, for both AS Saint-Étienne and Paris Saint-Germain. For the home side, a welcome victory over Strasbourg saw them end a run of four matches without a win, thereby solidifying their hopes of a Europa League campaign next season. PSG had left Old Trafford with a comfortable […]
Reverting back to a 4-2-3-1 formation did not seem the brightest of moves by Lyon’s manager Bruno Génésio at first. His team looked lifeless, uninspired and sullen for a large part of this match. Luckily for Génésio, there is always a plan B that can be executed when you are coaching Lyon – ‘Throw on […]