Villarreal took a step toward the UEFA Champions League qualification when they edged past direct rivals Real Betis. Manuel Pellegrini’s men dominated early proceedings; however, the Submarines strikers rose to the occasion, turning the tables ahead. Villarreal’s compactness prevented Real Betis from returning on the scoresheet. Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri. The fight […]
Villarreal and Athletic Club played out a goalless draw at the Estadi del a Ceramica. A late red card for Pape Gueye meant Villarreal finished the game with ten men. There were chances & half chances at both ends & Villarreal also had a goal by Thierno Barry disallowed by VAR, but in the end […]
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid began their LaLiga campaign with a stalemate at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Four goals, all in the first half, saw Villarreal & Atleti share the spoils after an end-to-end opening forty-five minutes as new Atletico recruit Alexander Sørloth got on the scoresheet while Julian Alvarez came on as a substitute […]
A hot shot striker, as a man on a mission, strived successfully to personal glory. However, his club could not correspond with those efforts on the field, stumbling to a fatal stalemate. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Real Madrid maintain the spot at the summit of Spanish football, 14 points clear of […]
Marcelino’s Villarreal, who had gone three games without a win in LaLiga and were dropping dangerously down the table, took all three points from Montjuïc in a crazy last half hour in which six goals were scored. After losing the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey in two weeks time, Xavi’s Barça are […]
Atlético Madrid’s source of strength has been their home fortress. However, the form book between these two sides foresaw what turned out to be a more even duel. A fresh face in the dugout conjured old magic from the well of the visitors, forcing their opponents to dig deep. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
In a match that showcased excellent winger play, Samu Chukwueze rose above Vinícius Júnior as the most impactful player on the pitch. The Nigerian scored two goals and was key in creating the third, and was responsible for all of the good done by Villarreal in the final third. Though Real Madrid pulled ahead twice, […]
In what was a drastic change from the norm, Barcelona ceded control to their opponents and let Villarreal play the match on their own terms. Without a brilliant goal from Pedri it might have cost them, but Barcelona’s sound defensive structure (and some fantastic individual defending) allowed them their twelfth straight win. Tactical analysis and […]
Real Madrid wished to assert their leadership of LaLiga, but an old occupant of their rivals’ dugout sought to upset their plans. A high press, clever work in buildup, and a decisive duel on the wings swung the tie in favor of Villarreal. The reign of their new manager is well underway. Tactical analysis and […]
The pressure has not ceased for Xavi, but at least he got some respite. His men made light work of a tricky task to set the preparatory tone for what will be a crucial fixture in their campaign. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. High expectations put on pressure as soon as plans […]