Game states and a fantastic Arsenal striker constantly getting in good scoring positions were the largest factors in this Europa League semi-final. Initially, Valencia applied themselves well to this match, and managed to score the opener. However, they failed to maintain the efficiency of their early attacking, and fell victim to an onslaught. Tactical analysis […]
Valencia manager Marcelino surprised by deviating from his usual preferred formation for this Europa League semi-final. Rodrigo Moreno was the focal point of Valencia’s attack in a lineup packed with nominal central defenders. Initially Valencia dominated the home team, but the attacking prowess of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette helped Arsenal seize the day in […]
Valencia’s Champions League hopes continue to wane as a confident Eibar side dominated the game. Valencia started out in a surprisingly passive setup, and failed to turn the tide against Eibar who played like they always do, pressing high. Eibar secured a deserved win with a late goal and played themselves safe for another year […]
Diego Simeone’s excellent use of the wings allowed Atlético Madrid a strong start, but a lulling deep block let Valencia back in it. The second half was more of a boxing match, with each side trading blows until a magnificent strike nine minutes from time sealed the game. Tactical analysis and match report by Tom […]
Quique Setién was full of changes in this fixture, fielding three different formations across the match. Even though it was not enough to secure any points, the performance of his team was respectable enough to have deserved at least something from another intriguing clash between Setién and Marcelino’s sides. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Valencia broke a long lull in play with a Guedes goal, creating a glut of transition opportunities that Madrid survived until the end of the first half. The Valencian onslaught continued after the restart and Madrid countered with a repetitive crossing approach that failed to pay off. Garay secured the three points late in the […]
Marcelino’s men finally start to show more efficiency up front as Valencia grabbed all three points away to Girona. The home side had a lot of possession, but as so many teams have, they failed to break down Valencia’s compact 4-4-2 set-up. Despite both strikers going off and being reduced to ten men, Ferrán Torres […]
He said that he would accept to be sacked. He then went on to say he would not agree with it, pointing out that there are “circumstances beyond the control of the coach”. Valencia manager Marcelino is right. His team are an extreme case of what happens every season, in every league. Results in football […]
In this dramatic Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Valencia were masterful in exploiting Betis’ man-marking, yet also inconsistent in their defending of their opposition’s inside attackers. Betis on the other hand simply seemed to lack the experience to cope with different game states, as they massively hampered their chances of progressing to the final […]
Barcelona took a risky approach in possession against Valencia’s counterattacking threat, and found themselves 2-0 down just over thirty minutes in. Valencia’s brave possession structure kept Barcelona’s backline busy, hurting them with well-executed quick breaks. A moment of individual quality from Lionel Messi was required – again – to find a way past Valencia’s compact […]