City press in a diamond shape. They try to keep a +1 on the defensive line. Arbeloa recognised that and let City have a +2 in defence, leaving Guehi and Dias with nobody to mark. Madrid overloaded City in central areas over and over again. The first line of build-up was also excellent. Madrid often built in a back 3. It's hard for a front 2 to get pressure on a wide build with 3 on the first line. Here Madrid do it with 4 as Tchouaméni drops in to further overload City's press.
by Majestic-Nobody-3178
9 Comments
I think he definitely does deserve his plaudits. When we lose he’s the first one to hold smoke but the last to be praised when we win, the way he set us up yesterday was perfect especially when everyone had doubts about playing 5 midfielders before the game. Xabi played the same City side earlier this season with a lot less injuries and did much worse so fair play to arbeloa.
Are you telling me that Pep, the best coach of the century, was again out coached by a Real Madrid second tier coach?
this actually makes sense a lot. but idk if its gonna work vs team like bayern
Still dont get why we struggle so much in the league!
Its similar tactics to Carlo’s low block. Pep just didnt have those magical players anymore to break the tactics. No KDB, no Walker, Silva is old, Foden and Rodri declining. Feel sorry for Haaland, no one in City can serve him a good pass anymore after KDB out. Need stronger black magic to beat us in CL
I doubt it was the Arbeloa master class, everyone minus Vini, was playing good and focused, with minimal mistakes. Usually you see defense sleeping and can’t block 1 striker as 5 and so on.
Marking players and drawing some tactical “marvel” circles like OP proudly posted as if it’s some genius analysis when in reality we already played in those same positions and setups for two seasons in a row.
The real problem wasn’t tactics on paper. The problem was that the players weren’t focused and often had no idea what they were doing on the pitch. Now they simply stayed focused and avoided the stupid mistakes they kept making all season.
My opinion is that we finally have a freaking midfielder that helps with the build-up, and after he passes the ball he asks for it back again and makes the full run to free up VinĂcius. I’m not saying he’s a prodigy yet, but Thiago and the way he plays are exactly what this team needs.
Having some injuries actually helped in this match. Crazy yeah but we got to overload the midfield while City playing with only 1 defensive midfielder
If we have the same tactics, we have a good chance in 2nd leg. City would go all out on attack leaving spaces at the back. We must take advantage