The high flying Red Devils have made their way out of purgatory, but their progress has hit a snag in the road. Real Sociedad were more than a match for the hosts due to a mature buildup phase and a hybrid block, but it was fortune that favored their bravery to separate the sides. Tactical […]
Xavi’s 3-4-3 experiment to replace a suspended Sergio Busquets presented several problems in pressing and possession. None mattered in the face of talents like Raphinha and a transcendent Ansu Fati, who came in the second half and decided the game within fifteen minutes. Tactical analysis and match report by José Pérez. LaLiga is back; with […]
Real Sociedad posed a challenge to Barcelona with a high tempo start to the match, although the away side went ahead and were able to gain some control over the game thanks to their structural adaptations. Sociedad came on strong again in the second half and forced Barcelona to defend deep, but Xavi’s side were […]
Leaving half an eye on their comeback challenge in midweek, Real Madrid looked to assert the initiative they possess at home. The scoreline makes for ideal reading, but Carlo Ancelotti’s new intent caught the eye as an insight into what might hold the key to their success on Wednesday. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
It was a dominant performance from Real Madrid, as they made light work of La Real at both ends of the pitch. The Karim Benzema-less attack still succeeded through goals from Luka Jović and Vinícius Junior, while Éder Militão put in his best performance of the LaLiga campaign so far to earn Real Madrid a […]
In what was a tense and physical Basque Derby, it would be set pieces that would allow the sides to share the points. A second half penalty from Alexander Isak would open the scoring for La Real, though a late free kick from Iker Muniain (with some help from a howler by Álex Remiro) would […]
How do you replace a talisman at such short notice? This question has stumped many, but Ronald Koeman took one small step to surmounting the loss of the greatest of them all. As the collective took on the work of the individual, Barcelona put on a display to suggest there can be life after Lionel […]
While their rivals fell before them, Atlético Madrid hoped to put one hand on the LaLiga crown with a win in this duel. Amid the carousel at the top of the table, the hosts blocked out the chaos, and put in a solid display to shut down Real Sociedad. Working from a flexible 4-3-3 shape, […]
The long-awaited cup final between two Basque rivals promised to be an even duel on paper, and so it proved. Real Sociedad’s playful 4-3-3 system shone through in terms of control of the ball but had to rely on a world-class play to pull away from a rugged Athletic Club outfit. Tactical analysis and match […]
Barcelona’s visit to Real Sociedad ought to have been a test of the away team’s title credentials. But this proved to be far from the case. Showcasing a fluid 3-1-3-3 system on the ball, Ronald Koeman’s men made sure this matchup was a one-sided affair, pulling clear in the second half. Tactical analysis and match […]