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Here you will find all kinds of analysis on football being played in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and other leagues, as well as internationals.
Real Madrid 2-0 Chelsea || Champions League QF 1st Leg || 04/12/23
Real Madrid and Chelsea were involved for their third Champions League knockout tie for the third successive year! This time around, the tie would commence in the capital of Spain, as the hosts would look to continue defending their European crown.
Chelsea lined up with a narrow 5-3-2 featuring N’golo Kante, the best player in both legs during the first time the clubs faced in 2021. The world-class French midfielder was featuring in his 3rd game back from a long injury, and was joined in midfield by new signing, Enzo Fernandez, and ex-Madrid player Mateo Kovacic. From the team’s shape, one can assume that Lampard set up his team to absorb pressure in the central corridors. Using the 3 aforementioned defensive minded midfielders, all capable of setting the tempo and picking out a pass, Chelsea were looking to counter on transitions and threaten with their rapid attackers, Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling.
The plan almost bore fruit in the early beginnings of the game. At the 2’, Madrid lose possession after a cross is cleared and are caught with their aggressive defensive highline exposing all of the space from their half. Sterling, Kante, and Enzo Fernandez, rapidly combine through the transition to then sprint into the acres of space left by past Madrid attacking wave. Kante sends a through ball to space for Joao Felix, who is ahead of a full-sprinting Militao. At first, it seems as though the Portuguese would go on to outpace the Brazilian defender, but his first and second touches are made to have tight close control of the ball instead of long positive touches towards goal. Slowing down allows for Militao to catch up and use his body as a distraction and physical presence. At this point, Felix is in the box but his angle is closed down. He decides to shoot to the near post for 0.11xG (xGoT 0.36). Courtois saves and it goes out for a corner.
The following threat the Blues generated was after Madrid’s first goal and would be their last meaningful one in the first half. The play commenced with some influence from Kante, as he drove through the Madrid midfield and released right wing-back. Reece James, who then possessed the ball near the side of Madrid’s box. James looks up and sends a low cross to his England teammate, Raheem Sterling, who makes a run from in between Alaba and Militao, Madrid’s center-back pairing. The England forward shoots from an xG location of 0.30, but after his shot hits the target, it registered as having a 97% chance of going in.
That's just how good Thibaut Courtois has been for Real Madrid.
With the scoreline 1-0 for the hosts, Courtois, given a 97% of being scored on, overturns a sure-goal and maintains his side’s momentum in the match while preventing Chelsea from gaining confidence.
Los Blancos dominated The Blues during the first half. Dwarfing Chelsea’s first half total of 0.42xG, Madrid could boast they deserved almost two goals with a score of 1.82xG. Arguably, Madrid were so imperious during the first half because of their strong key defensive actions and off-the-ball work gave them a platform to advance further up the pitch. Home advantage for an experienced Real Madrid side, Chelsea’s strange and tumultuous season on and off the pitch, as well as having too much of a defensive-minded midfield with Kante only just returning were probably strong factors as to why Chelsea weren’t able to control the game. Add the fact that the squad does not have a true reference point forward, they also lacked the ability to threaten.
Madrid were able to exploit spaces left by Chelsea’s midfield when their wingbacks would drop deep to defend and would form a line of 5 in defense. The 3 man midfield of Enzo, Kante, and Kovacic was too compact and left space out wide for Madrid’s wingbacks to exploit. On the first goal of the night, Dani Carvajal received a lofted pass from Kroos. The Spanish right back receives the ball in the aforementioned wide midfield area left vacated by Chelsea’s midfield. He then floats a smart pass to Vinicius who runs in behind the Chelsea defense. The Brazilian is able to shoot on goal, though the attempt is saved by Kepa. The save however, lands on the path of Karim Benzema, rewarded for his run and continued tracking he slots it home.
Afterwards, the home side looked and seemed comfortable. At times, too comfortable. The European kings would create many chances during the first half, but it was more a case of quantity and not quality.
The second half was not so different. If anything, after Ben Chillwell was sent off in the 58’ once he illegally pulled on Rodrygo, the home side had more reason to become complacent. Since there was already an established dominance, home advantage, the scoreline positive at 1-0, and Chelsea now reduced to ten, there was a sense that a second goal or even more was inevitable. And thus perhaps this is why Madrid never seemed to display a killer instinct that could’ve effectively ended the tie in one game.
They were able to score a second, through a set-piece routine that caught Inter Milan last season by surprise as well. Marco Asensio was the scorer in both games. Though in this one there were more passes and the assist came from Vinicius Jr, who was directly involved in both goals of the night.
Madrid comfortably controlled the game and will be looking to add to their advantage at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will need to be ready and pick themselves up from their woes in the Premier League.
Liverpool FC 2-2 Arsenal FC || Premier League Matchweek 30 || 04/09/23
Two of the biggest English teams in history duked it out in one of the country’s most hallowed and sacred grounds. Not many teams are able to boast having a positive experience and ending a game with a good result against the Reds at Anfield. The first half of this game however, was seemingly going the way of the visitors. Arsenal were able to play Arteta’s brand of football during the early stages of the match. High pressing, high intensity, and creating overloads high up the field were the courses of action that the gunners were executing. Everything was going according to plan for the league leaders, as they started brightly with their attacking players. Martinelli was able to score in the 8’, to much of the home crowd’s surprise. Although it shouldn’t have been, as the Reds have had a tumultuous form home and away this season. Arsenal were able to continue looking comfortable, and from the first goal onwards, they looked increasingly more dangerous. It was until the 28’ that they increased their advantage, with the involvement of Martinelli yet again. The tricky winger blazed through from the left side and sent a smart cross to the returning Gabriel Jesus. Liverpool eventually got on the scoreboard just before the half in the 42’ as Salah turned in a flick from Henderson at the far post.
The first half finished 1-2, with the gunners having a slight advantage. Many would’ve predicted the league leaders would’ve been able to build on their bright start. However, whatever team talk Jurgen Klopp gave his players worked. Liverpool showed more intensity and attitude in the second half. Because of the shift in momentum, the game became more of a battle of transitions. Neither team was able to carve decent scoring chances, until a rash foul from Arsenal centerback Rob Holding forced the referee to point to the spot. Mohamed Salah then missed his second penalty in the current premier league season, as he uncharacteristically shot off target and hit one of the advertisements. This didn’t deter Liverpool’s mentality and fight. They kept growing within the game to effectively nullify Arsenal’s center midfielders. As the half progressed, Odegaard and Xhaka were increasingly less influential for the visitors, as Arsenal were forfeiting much more possession than they did in the first half. Eventually, Arteta had to make changes to adapt to his team’s new reality. The gunners boss shifted the team into a back three, as an onslaught of attacking patterns were on the horizon. From the 80’ until the end of the game, Liverpool created a barrage of chances which all equaled to an xG threat of 2.05! They were only able to unlock the Arsenal defense from a brilliant 1v1 run from Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool right back received a pass from Henderson while overlapping in the 87’. He then takes on Zinchenko (Arsenal’s Leftback) 1v1, and puts the ball through his legs, leaving him dead stranding before smartly floating a cross to Roberto Firmino who finishes the play. The game would finish 2-2, thanks to the world-class saves of Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale. Without him, Arsenal would’ve probably lost the game, and all of potential points. For the visitors, they were able to escape Anfield with a point. A point which yet may prove to be crucial in this tight Premier League title race.
FC Barcelona 0-4 Real Madrid || Copa del Rey Semi Final Second Leg || 04/05/23
Real Madrid came back from a 0-1 first leg defeat to return the favor to the Catalans, in a rout that will live long in the memory of the Cule fanbase. For the good majority of the first half, Barcelona was dominating in possession, were quicker on transitions, and looked the more dangerous side. However, as is the case with this Real Madrid side, they only needed one opportunity to change the tie’s complexion.
Madrid hadn’t created a solid scoring opportunity or looked convincing in retaining possession for the entirety of the first half. So it was no surprise that their sucker-punch goal came from a counter attack, and in the dying minutes of the half.
Barcelona had almost scored a goal as Lewandowski turned in a Balde cross from the left side. But the ever present Belgian wall, Courtois, was there to bail out Madrid once more. He parried the ball close to the center of the penalty area, but Camavinga was there to challenge the Polish striker, who attempted to retry to score. The ball rebounded then to Gavi on the right side, who attempted to cross to Raphinha. Just as anticipative as Camavinga, Valverde marks Raphinha perfectly and gets a foot to the cross to clear it out of the Madrid box. Fortunately for the Madrid side, the ball skips through the middle and finds Rodrygo. The Brazilian cannot believe his luck, as he drives forward toward a charging Marcos Alonso. The Madrid winger takes him 1v1 and leaves him for dead. Madrid are through on their opponent’s half with tons of space in a 3v3. Rodrygo passes to Vini, who lays it off to Benzema to stretch the defense further. The Frenchman feints both fixated defenders Kounde and Araujo, and gives it back to Vini. Vini shoots with the outside of his right boot, which is met by a diving Kounde, who cannot get a clean block to it as the ball crawls into the back of the net. 1-0 to the away side, much to the shock of the players, the momentum of the game, and the atmosphere…
From the moment Madrid scored, Barcelona began to forget how to play their beautiful brand of football. Some home players from the onset were already arguably playing over aggressively, but the stress of the visitor’s goal began to show. The psychological impact that a locker room goal can bring was apparent after the beak. The second half commenced, and Madrid displayed more intensity and synchronization.
Madrid were able to score 3 more goals in the second half! The second came from a transition after a Gavi clearance found its way to Militao. The Brazilian center back sent Modric through, who had options in the front 3. Rodrygo made a smart run to pull defenders to create space in front of the box for a looming Benzema. There, the captain receives the pass and finishes for Madrid’s second. Madrid’s third goal arrived after an unnecessary foul on Vinius by Kessie was called by the referee. Vinicius had no one near him to pass and was making his way backwards to find support in the midfield. Double teaming with Araujo, the Ivory Coast midfielder senselessly hacked at the tricky Brazilian winger, perhaps due to growing frustration. Benzema was then called to take the kick, which was dispatched perfectly. 3-0.
The cameras would focus on a disillusioned Xavi, expressionless as his Barca side were being dismantled at home and with no discernible way of coming back. None of his players were performing as they had during the last 3 victorious clasicos, and the stats would prove this as none broke more than 6.7 player score.
Madrid’s experience was the difference maker. They were able to control the rest of the game, while hitting the hosts again with another counter attack (3v2), and putting the contest out of doubt.
At the full time whistle, 0-4 was the final score, as Barcelona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by their most hated rivals. Madrid, snapping their 3 clasico losing streak, will face Osasuna in the final on May 6th.
Manchester City vs Liverpool || 4-1 || Premier League Matchweek 29 || 04/01/2023
By Rudi R.
Two of the biggest clubs in England couldn't have more contrasting styles and fortunes from this match and the current season. The team in sky blue, which always seeks to dominate possession and patiently create dangerous incisive plays, faces the team in red that has stood for values of hard work, team cohesion, and perseverance. At the end of the night, It was clear that one team achieved in reflecting their preferential values. Manchester City dominated an energy-less midfield and disorganized defense in a Liverpool team that struggled to keep the ball, was sloppy in transitions, and looked lost at the back.
The Reds only generated an xG threat of 0.28 during the first half, while the second half was more toothless with only 0.06xG (0.33xG the whole 90min). The only time Liverpool were able to get a clean break on goal, was on the occasion they scored. Initially they began their goal-play by riskily retaining possession at the back to encourage City's press and pull their whole team upfield. Once City's centerbacks were aligned at the center of the field, Liverpool were able to build up to Trent Alexander Arnold (#66), who had time to deliver one of his specialty long balls to Jota. The Portuguese ran in between the City centerbacks, but had to control the long pass and did well shielding Akanji from the ball. A charging Mohamed Salah made no mistake, and had the visitors up by one, as he drove through the ball, which caressed the side netting.
The rest of the game was City's to dominate. Jack Grealish (9.0), Kevin De Bruyne (9.1), Riyad Mahrez (8.2) and Julian Alvarez (7.5) ran the Liverpool defensive players ragged. Each was lively and participated in each of the Cityzens’ goals. After De Bruyne's goal, the second for his team, the emotional toll began to appear on some of the faces of Liverpool.
Things would get worse. Liverpool would soon be another goal down 7 minutes afterwards. The 3rd goal happens a little after City make brilliant combination plays down the right wing, with a participative Stones, who fulfills the inverted wingback role. The pressing from Liverpool’s defense and midfield leaves much to be desired, as all of them lack the collective energy and synergy to properly take away space that City love to exploit. Stones is surrounded by 5 red players, but is allowed to stroll forward to the penalty area and casually square outside to Mahrez. Eventually, the sky blues retry from the right as Mahrez dribbles inside. Liverpool players just ball watching, witness Mahrez pass to Alvarez who shoots to goal. Trent is there to block, but the shot is too quick to completely react and give a good clearance. Gundogan is there to pounce and increase the host’s advantage to three. It’s all too easy for the men in blue, as the Reds look more like training cones in a possession drill.
Liverpool Keeper Allison yells to his defense to “Push up!”
They would still be static, out of position, and without marking intensity.
Grealish’s first and Manchester City’s fourth of the night arrived after City retained possession well at the back and had Gundogan send a long diagonal ball to the left wing. There, the former Villa captain, received the ball with a controlled first touch and put Kevin De Bruyne through, as the Belgian wrapped around Alexander-Arnold, who had to worry about two runners nearby. Konate chased after De Bruyne to prevent further progression of play, but the run had the defense more stretched and was not timed well (behaviors found in all of the goals conceded by the Reds). Grealish sprinted into the box and slid to meet De Bruyne’s cross for City’s fourth of the match.
City finished the game with 68% possession and an xG of 2.96, which clearly demonstrates their quality compared to their visitors (32%, 0.33xG).
Guardiola will look for his side to continue their good form in the Premier League and attempt to catch the league leaders Arsenal F.C.
Undoubtedly, Klopp will have to strategize how to get the most out of a midfield that hasn’t been as dynamic and dominant as it has been in Europe for the past several years.
Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund | 4-2 | Bundesliga Matchday 26 || 04/01/23
Bundelisga Match-up on Familiar Ground
By Rudi R.
Borussia Dortmund had a woeful Der Klassiker showing away at the Allianz Arena as they helped Bayern Munich to a victory which takes them 2 points ahead of Die Schwarzgelben (The Black and Yellows) on top of the Bundesliga Table. The match-up initially had the makings of a tight and competitive contest, but all that changed after just 13 minutes.
13’, a deep pass was made by Bayern centerback Dayot Upamecano (#2), who was in Bayern’s half of the field, attempted to find right winger Leeroy Sane (#10). The pass zipped through all of Borussia Dortmund’s lines of pressure and was meant to play Sane through. However, the pass was overhit and seemed destined for a keeper’s clearance. Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel (#1), unfortunately missed his kick, which was subsequently chaperoned by Sane, as it rolled into the net for the host’s first goal of the night. Kobel’s facial expression after the error probably mirrored the emotions of the majority of the Dortmund faithful.
After perhaps one of the most calamitous goalkeeping errors of the season, it seemed too much for the visiting side to stomach, as Bayern took full advantage of the momentum and disarray of their opponents.
5 minutes afterwards, Munich generated another threat. Bayern won a corner after a Goretzka (#8) shot was bravely blocked by Dortmund centerback Schlotterbeck(#4).
Kimmich (#6), takes an outswinging corner from the right side which floats towards the penalty spot. Centerback De Ligt (#4) towers over his Dortmund counterpart Schlotterbeck, and heads the ball towards the left post. Thomas Muller (#25) loses his marker (Julian Brandt #19) quite easily after De Ligt’s header, to just guide the ball into the back of the net from point blank range, unopposed. With a pair of inattentive defensive errors, Dortmund find themselves 2-0 down with a mountain to climb.
At this point, Dortmund were desperate to claw their way back into the game to recover their league position. But it was all in vain. The next upfield progressions ended by decisive defensive actions by Davies, Upamecano, et al. More than 20 minutes had passed and Dortmund had yet to create a real solid chance.
At 22’, Dortmund restarted play from a goalkick. They attempted to build up with a series of passes that ended with leftback Ryerson (#26). Rightback Pavard (#5) pickpockets the Norwegian, lays it off to Sane (#10), who carries the ball inwards while the Dortmund backline starts to retreat. As Sane is unpressured, he takes a 30 yard shot to goal. Kobel parries to his right, but to no avail, as none of his defenders track the run of Muller, who is there to pounce on the soft clearance just as a jaguar would on his easy prey.
The score is 3-0, and for the remainder of the first half, each team attempts to gain superiority but cannot realize it. Transitions on transitions, with no team able to create another dangerous opportunity.
The second half starts brighter for Dortmund as they generated a chance in the 50’. After some good short play from new substitute Ozcan (#6), he distributes to Bellingham (#22) who sends a long diagonal ball to right wingback Wolf (#17). As soon as Wolf controls the ball, he looks up to track the run of Sebastian Haller (#9) who darts towards goal in between the Bayern centerback pairing. Wolf slices the ball, which cuts out two lines of pressure, and puts the Ivorian through. Unfortunately for Dortmund, the striker is unable to capitalize on his team’s first real chance. He doesn’t get a clean kick on it, which ends in Sommer’s (#27) thankful hands.
Bayern scored in the following 6 passes.
In arguably one of the better goals of the night, Bayern built from the back comfortably from the left side, evading the Dortmund press, which then saw Coman (#11) send a long diagonal ball to the driving Sane on the opposite flank. Sane, as he did for Bayern’s third goal, cuts in to the left and carries inwards in front of a retreating Dortmund backline. He sees Muller calling for the ball, as the veteran striker makes a run close to the middle of the box and next to Dortmund centerback Sule. Sane chooses to pass to Muller, who intelligently allows the ball to go through his legs to reach his teammate Coman. Coman recognizes Muller’s run and action, runs in behind Wolf, and converts. Game Set and almost Match for Bayern.
After the introductions of wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko (#18) and Mahmoud Dahoud (#8) for Dortmund, and Serge Gnabry (#7) and Sadio Mane (#17) for Bayern Munich, Dortmund began to challenge the Bayern defense.
At the 70’, Gnabry lost his cool and committed an unnecessary foul on Bellingham inside the penalty area. Emre Can (#23) confidently placed his penalty shot and earned his side’s first goal. 4-1.
The following periods of play mimicked the ones at the end of the first half. Transitions on transitions, neither team being able to create solid attacking chances. That is until the 90th minute approached.
As Bayern run to penetrate their opponent’s half with Cancelo (#22) carrying the ball, they find themselves 4v3, as 3 Dortmund defenders are sprinting back. The Portuguese misplaces his pass and ruins a good opportunity to send his teammates through to goal. Hummels (#15) retrieves and distributes to Can. Can, Ozcan, and Dahoud retain possession with short plays until Ozcan sends Donyell Malen (#21) through, beating a line of pressure. Malen rapidly meets the path of the ball and does well taking on De Ligt in a 1v1 near the 18 yard box. Composed, Malen patiently awaits the run of Guerreiro (#13) to then take on De Ligt. With a body feint and some quick footwork, Malen creates a bit of space inside of the penalty area and passes to Guerreiro. Guerreiro, who in spite of being in full stride and pushed by Kimmich, times his flick to perfection which finds Malen again. The Dutchmen caresses the ball to the far right post, as the flight of the ball deceives Sommer and creeps into the side net. Dortmund scored their second on the night. 4-2 the final score.
Dortmund will be rueing their performance, as it proves uncharacteristic of them based on their form in 2023. However, historically, this match-up has proven to be difficult. Today was the 9th straight defeat at the Allianz against Munich. They can perhaps argue that the match’s result was influenced more by their self destructive mistakes than the superiority of their opponent.
