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Articles by Thanos Chelas
Germany - Portugal: Wirtz Lights the Fuse, Conceição and Ronaldo Seal the Comeback (1-2)
In what was a competitive but cagey first half, the match sparked into life after the break with Florian Wirtz breaking the deadlock for Germany. Portugal responded swiftly, as Francisco Conceição produced a brilliant solo effort to equalize. Just minutes later, a slick combination move saw Cristiano Ronaldo finish off a flowing team sequence to complete the turnaround.
Chelsea - Manchester United: Cucurella Heads Blues To Victory To Keep Champions League Qualification Hopes Alive (1-0)
Chelsea defeated Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, in a must-win game winning by a solitary goal. Marc Cucurella’s pin-point header gave the Blues the victory in a tightly contested affair at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea moved into 4th place after the win keeping their hopes of finishing in the top five and qualifying for next season’s Champions League alive with one game left to play in the Premier League. Tactical analysis and match report by Gaurav Krishnan.
Manchester City - Brighton & Hove Albion: Another Dent To Manchester City’s Champions League Hopes
A game that swung both ways. Manchester City had their own set of problems, but they finally seemed to show notable improvement without the ball, while Omar Marmoush stepped up in key moments. Brighton & Hove Albion, meanwhile, caused problems with their dynamic front four and capitalized on their momentum to earn a crucial point. Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan.
Brighton & Hove Albion - Nottingham Forest: Organized Forest Hold Their Nerve (0-0, 4-5 after penalties)
Nottingham Forest started this game with a plan of midfield domination and were able to achieve this for a while. As the game went on though, Brighton took more possession, and the Forest attacking threat became more transitional. By the end, Forest were holding on, but were able to eventually prevail on penalties. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.
Arsenal - Paris Saint-Germain: Arsenal Assemble The Power Play (2-0)
The schedule strained the squad at the start of the season for Arsenal, but a measured and mature approach in Europe completed a cycle of challenges. There was no need to expend all their firepower as the hosts had doused the flame from their opponents with relative ease. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Arsenal are accustomed to the trials and tribulations of the top tier in England.
Experienced Veterans, Emerging Stars and In-Form Players
Excitement supersedes expectation for this summer’s European Championship hosts. With Julian Nagelsmann guiding a team full of experienced veterans, emerging stars and in-form players, German football fans have real reasons to feel optimistic about their team’s chances of success on home soil. This tactical preview has been written by Nick Smoothy. We decided to make all of our EURO 2024 articles free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Why Are Serie A Center-Backs On The Move?
Center-backs are on the move in Serie A, and for very good reason. Here we can see how they can be utilized in rotations up the field, how they can unlock one of your creators on the ball and the importance of rest defense to tie ideas together. Written by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Atalanta BC - Juventus: Allegri Arranges A Sweet Swansong? (0-1)
Deceptive and devious deeds cannot fool audiences forever. Juventus are no longer the force of Italian football, stumbling to see out their season in Serie A. However, there are two ways to depart center stage. Either one can bow out gracefully or flee from the spotlight in shame. Massimiliano Allegri rolled back the years with a classic scoreline and shot at silverware that might mark the best possible way in which he could sign off from his reprised role in Turin.
Tottenham Hotspur - Arsenal: Kai Completes Capital Conquest (2-3)
Arsenal’s accelerator has gained its groove at the moment when the wheels threatened to fall off their ride to the summit. This trip to Tottenham was not one of their cleanest or most controlled affair, but a welcome edge of ruthlessness registered three points in the standings. The capital city must submit to the firepower of the league leaders, who have had the last laugh in London. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. We decided to make this article free to read.
Brighton & Hove Albion - Manchester City: Fluid City Shrug Aside Albion Challenge (0-4)
Arsenal claimed the top spot on Tuesday. The following day, Liverpool suffered a massive setback, prompting Manchester City to respond, which they did in impressive fashion. City’s midfielders stole the show this time, as they were able to counter Brighton’s aggressive approach with multiple solutions. A convincing 4-0 victory reflected both in terms of result and the quality of their performance. Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan. We decided to make this article free to read.
Bayern Munich - Lazio: Bavarian Bailout Books The Route To The Quarter-Final (3-0)
Time ticks down on Thomas Tuchel's tenure in Bavaria, but on what note will he sign off? The supposed security of silverware has been turning into an illusion before his eyes, and the battle to not soil his status all the more as a manager demanded decisive acts to wipe out the deficit of the first leg. His team took their opponents to task, sparing him some dignity in the dugout. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
Newcastle United – Manchester City: De Bruyne Brings The Bite To Troubled Toons (2-3)
Having found a way to strike its prey, Manchester City still needed its sharpest tools to puncture through. Newcastle United had worked its way into a valuable lead, but Pep Guardiola deployed Kevin de Bruyne where all of their creativity had been flowing. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - Bayern Munich: Offsides And Missed Opportunities Define The Game For Bavaria (1-1)
In a game where both sides were evenly matched from a tactical perspective, it was physicality and execution that were the bigger stories of the day. Bayern Munich was unable to overcome the finishing issues that seem to affect them at times, while Hoffenheim continued their run of strong results. Tactical analysis and match report by Manasvin Andra. Early season struggles and inconsistency aside, Sebastian Hoeneß and Hoffenheim appear to have finally found their groove.
Atalanta Bergamo - Internazionale: Right Side Pattern Deriddles The Atalanta Backline (1-2)
Both teams entered this fixture with expectations to cement. Atalanta Bergamo needs to compete with the big dogs and Internazionale needs to maintain the most dangerous bite. In even circumstances, Inter were finally able to sink their teeth through their opponents' defense. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. In a frantic, free-scoring Serie A world, no team has scored more open-play goals than Atalanta nor Inter this season.
Napoli - Fiorentina: Fiorentina Win In Free-Flowing Game (1-3)
Fiorentina arrived at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with a proactive gameplan, and were rewarded with an early goal. Their high pressing could not be sustained for the full game through, and Napoli showed some nice combination play at times. The away side prevailed though after playing a more counter-attacking game in the second half. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.
Barcelona - Real Betis: Compatriots Claim The Adulation In Catalonia (5-0)
As darkness descended on Camp Nou, the league champions lit the pitch. Two loanees dazzled on debut in a dominant display that showed how Barcelona might evolve with new qualities. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Barcelona were finally back at the summit of Spanish football in May 2023, earning their first league title in four years. Xavi had returned to his roots to restore a stranglehold on power lost to the capital. Yet, at what cost has he derived success?
Georgia - Spain: Superb Spain Smash Georgia For Seven (1-7)
An important match marked the beginning of the first international break in 2023/24 for Georgia and Spain, who crossed paths in Group A of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. After an early slip-up against Scotland, the visitors needed to win to get their qualification campaign back on track, and that is just what they did in quite some style. Tactical analysis and match report by Neel Shelat. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Toulouse - Paris Saint-Germain: Another Stalemate In The New Era (1-1)
Paris Saint-Germain struggled in week one against a low block and it looked like the same issues would persist as they visited Toulouse. However, they had two not-so-secret weapons to surely help them over the line this weekend. Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Hartland. The impasse at PSG seemed to end as the dust settled on the opening-day disappointment and with it, brought to a close the era of the two most expensive signings in history.
Real Madrid - Celta de Vigo: Hey Jude (1-0)
A truly frustrating game for the visitors at the Balaídos, as Celta proved a doughty opponent, but they still eventually managed to get the job done with a Bellingham header in the clutch. A game that raised more questions than answers for the Madrid outfit. Tactical analysis and match report by Huu Trung. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Manchester City – Manchester United: Gündoğan’s Goals Secure FA Cup Win (2-1)
Erik Ten Hag set out with an adjustment to United’s pressing shape to try and neutralize City’s 3-2-4-1 system. This was moderately successful, however two quality strikes from İlkay Gündoğan gave City the goals they needed to overcome United and take home the FA Cup. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Manchester City – Bayern Munich: Is Pep Paving The Route To Redemption? (3-0)
Manchester City’s latest attempt to add a missing honor to their cabinet brought their manager head to head with two sources of regret. The first hour of the clash threatened to produce more pain, but this iteration of his project wields new tools that might finally end the barren run. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Manchester City - Arsenal: Same Old Arsenal, Always Freezing (4-1)
Pep Guardiola is the grandmaster. He has been so bored of mere domination that he trusted his apprentice to reveal the true depths of his genius. The pretenders are honing the art of checkers, but the reigning champions are kings of chess— and set to chart a historic step in their project. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking a subscription.
Bayern Munich – Paris Saint-Germain: Efficient Bayern Performance Sinks PSG (2-0)
Bayern Munich took on a slightly more passive approach than they had in the first leg, letting their opponents have more of the ball. Paris Saint-Germain’s own performance was improved from last week, but Bayern’s compact defending was hard to break through, and in the second half they conceded twice in transition, sending Bayern through to the next round. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. Julian Nagelsmann’s Bayern Munich side had largely dominated the first leg of this tie.
France - Poland: France Power Past Poland To Reach The Quarterfinals (3-1)
France became the first Men’s World Cup defending champions in sixteen years to appear in the knockouts as they took on Poland in the Round of Sixteen. They were the clear favorites for this match, and although they took a while to get going, they brushed their opponents aside once they did. Tactical analysis and match report by Neel Shelat. The curse of the champions did not seem to affect France at all, as they got through the group stage within two matches by defeating Australia and Denmark.
Chelsea - Manchester United: A Game Of Checkers With A Last Minute Wild Card (1-1)
Adaptations behind the first line of pressure saw two attacks cancel each other out, but how frantic final minutes can see law and order crumble. Graham Potter made a pivotal first-half substitution to blunt the visitors’ control, Erik ten Hag made a curious second-half change to stop the hosts in the transition. Nevertheless, smart coaching moves can only do so much. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.
Barcelona - Rayo Vallecano: Xavi’s Shiny New Toys Frustrated By Resistant Rayo
Despite four of Barcelona’s summer signings making appearances against Rayo Vallecano, Xavi’s side could only take a single point from the match after a defensive masterclass from Andoni Iraola’s men. The play from Barcelona was promising, but the Catalans could not find the back of the net from their abundance of chances. Tactical analysis and match report by Charlie Tuley. It’s been a big summer for FC Barcelona.
Eintracht Frankfurt - Rangers: Frankfurt Prevail On Penalties After A Tense Affair In Seville (1-1, 5-4 after penalties)
In the first of three continental finals of the 2021/22 club football season in Europe, Eintracht Frankfurt took on Rangers in Seville to decide the fate of the Europa League trophy. Neither side had lifted a major continental trophy in over four decades, but that record changed for Frankfurt after a tense and tactical intriguing match. Tactical analysis and match report by Neel Shelat.
Barcelona - Eintracht Frankfurt: Kostić Crushes Camp Nou To Forge A Historic Evening (2-3)
Surviving the scare of a first leg stalemate, Barcelona expected to learn from the error of their ways and make an assault on a spot in the final four. However, their visitors have caught the bug for European football, putting on a display to stun the Spanish support into submission. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. Xavi's return to Barcelona reminded fans of an era that could not be more distant upon his arrival.
Tactical Analysis & Comparison Of What To Expect From Inter Under Simone Inzaghi Compared To Antonio Conte
It was already in the air for a few weeks before the end of the 2020-2021 Serie A campaign, but when the divorce between Antonio Conte and Inter was announced just days after the coronation of the club as Italian champions, CEO Giuseppe Marotta was charged with an unwanted and almost impossible task : finding the replacement of Antonio Conte.
A Tactical Analysis Of Inter Under Antonio Conte - Part 5: Conclusion
November 18, 2019 10:30 This 5 part series aims to analyze Inter’s first 16 official games of the 2019/2020 season, which coincidentally also are the first matches under the Antonio Conte era. In the first part an introduction was presented, in the second part the build-up play was analyzed, in the third part the defensive transition was discussed and in the fourth part the attacking transition was discussed.
A Tactical Analysis Of Inter Under Antonio Conte - Part 4: Attacking Transitions
November 17, 2019 10:30 This 5 part series aims to analyze Inter’s first 16 official games of the 2019/2020 season, which coincidentally also are the first matches under the Antonio Conte era. In the first part an introduction was presented, in the second part the build-up play was analyzed and in the third part the defensive transition was analyzed. In this piece an in-depth analysis of the Nerazzurri’s attacking transitions will be discussed.
A Tactical Analysis Of Inter Under Antonio Conte - Part 3: Defensive Phase
This 5 part series aims to analyze Inter’s first 16 official games of the 2019/2020 season, which coincidentally also are the first matches under the Antonio Conte era. In the first part an introduction was presented and in the second part the build-up play was analyzed. In this piece an in-depth analysis of the Nerazzurri’s defensive transitions will be discussed.
A Tactical Analysis Of Inter Under Antonio Conte - Part 2: Build-Up Play
This 5 part series aims to analyze Inter’s first 16 official games of the 2019/2020 season, which coincidentally also are the first matches under the Antonio Conte era. In the first part an introduction was presented, whilst in this piece an in-depth analysis of the Nerazzurri’s build-up phase will be discussed.
Tactical Analysis Of Inter Under Antonio Conte - Part 1: Clarity, Predictability & Very Difficult To Beat
November 14, 2019 10:30 This 5 part series aims to analyze Inter’s first 16 official games of the 2019/2020 season, which coincidentally also are the first matches under the Antonio Conte era. This first part is an introduction, followed up by an in-depth analysis of the Nerazzurri’s build-up phase, defensive transition, attacking transition and an overall conclusion presented at the end.
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