Club football enters its decisive phase, with lots to play for in every competition. Yesterday we previewed the first two ties, today we focus on the upcoming two ties of the most important tournament in club football: the Champions League. Article by José Pérez, Kareem Bianchi, Manasvin Andra and Erik Elias. Tottenham Hotspur – RasenballSport Leipzig […]
Facing off twenty four hours early in light of midweek Champions League fixtures, Atlético Madrid and Valencia played an important game for two sides whose domestic seasons now center upon securing elite European football next year. Four goals, equally shared, ensued in a fixture where the hosts were more deserving of all three points and […]
Getafe’s encounter against Valencia was a crucial fixture for two sides harboring ambitions of playing Champions League football next season. However, what manifested was a domineering display from the hosts, whose superiority throughout the game was duly rewarded in the second half with three goals against lackluster opposition. Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Under the […]
In their second LaLiga game under new coach Quique Setién, Barcelona once again dominated the ball but struggled to penetrate due to an inability to stretch their opponents through width and depth when in possession. Barcelona improved in the second half with midfield runners getting more involved in attack, but a Jordi Alba deflected own […]
Real started the game in dominant fashion and went ahead through a directly scored corner kick from Toni Kroos. Apart from a ten-minute period in the middle of the first half, Valencia barely set a foot into the opposing half. This tempted manager Albert Celades to switch the formation, which resulted in a more open, […]
Valencia played host to Real Madrid in a matchup that promised to excite. The home side came into the clash off an impressive run of recent results that has seen their rejuvenation under Albert Celades continue. Real themselves were in title-winning form and looking to grab a victory in a tough away visit. The late […]
Valencia were, as always, tough in their way of playing and made life difficult for their opponents. Ajax’s frustrations will most likely have been down to their own inadequacies, as an electric atmosphere could not take the hosts the extra yard needed to qualify for the knockout rounds. Tactical analysis and match report by Peter […]
Atlético Madrid created some half chances in the first half in an interesting looking scheme that benefitted from Valencia’s confused defense. After gaining the lead, Simeone asked his side to retreat, ultimately allowing Valencia to equalize through a Dani Parejo free kick. Tactical analysis and match report by Om Arvind. With seven goals in eight […]
Led by the free-roaming Arthur and Frenkie de Jong and an energetic Ansu Fati, Barcelona quickly took down a Valencia team that was visibly shaken by the recent firing of their coach. During the second half, Griezmann’s increased interventions in the game and Suarez’s entrance produced even more goals for the home side. Tactical analysis […]
Barcelona’s poor mid-pitch press combined with Valencia’s ruthlessness gave Marcelino’s side an early lead. Barcelona’s lack of attacking output allowed them to keep it. A late glimmer of hope from Messi was ultimately quashed as Barcelona stumbled out of another trophy. Tactical analysis and match report by Tom Quartly. The Benito Villamarín was the elected […]