Saif
@saif4tfp.bsky.social
Aspiring Football Analyst
https://substack.com/@saif4tfp
https://substack.com/@saif4tfp
That turnover from Olmo.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
May 8, 2025 at 7:15 PM
That turnover from Olmo.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
Pedri plays a layoff to FDJ then angles his run smartly into the left half-space. Meanwhile, Olmo drops to link play but misses a crucial second scan before receiving the ball.
The geometry was perfect: a quick 3rd man combo would release Pedri behind Inter's mid.
The buildup to Lamine's goal.
May 3, 2025 at 2:05 AM
The buildup to Lamine's goal.
Leading Barça’s attack, Ferran Torres played a crucial role, frequently positioning himself behind the n 10s Raphinha and Dani Olmo to manipulate Inter’s back three.
His smart positioning and well-timed runs were instrumental, eventually leading to the second goal. Videos 👇
His smart positioning and well-timed runs were instrumental, eventually leading to the second goal. Videos 👇
May 3, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Leading Barça’s attack, Ferran Torres played a crucial role, frequently positioning himself behind the n 10s Raphinha and Dani Olmo to manipulate Inter’s back three.
His smart positioning and well-timed runs were instrumental, eventually leading to the second goal. Videos 👇
His smart positioning and well-timed runs were instrumental, eventually leading to the second goal. Videos 👇
This pulls Kounde inside, leaving the left flank open for a late run. Yamal should either track the runner or Kounde should hand him off to a teammate.
Kounde steps up to press Dahl, the left-back, who then finds Schjelderup—now free after creating separation from Araujo.
Kounde steps up to press Dahl, the left-back, who then finds Schjelderup—now free after creating separation from Araujo.
March 15, 2025 at 5:29 AM
This pulls Kounde inside, leaving the left flank open for a late run. Yamal should either track the runner or Kounde should hand him off to a teammate.
Kounde steps up to press Dahl, the left-back, who then finds Schjelderup—now free after creating separation from Araujo.
Kounde steps up to press Dahl, the left-back, who then finds Schjelderup—now free after creating separation from Araujo.
To beat Barca's high defensive line, opponents often use clever wide plays. Benfica's coach had the winger and fullback work together to exploit gaps.
Barca typically defends in a 4-1-4-1 shape, staying compact and zonal in the middle third.
Barca typically defends in a 4-1-4-1 shape, staying compact and zonal in the middle third.
March 15, 2025 at 5:27 AM
To beat Barca's high defensive line, opponents often use clever wide plays. Benfica's coach had the winger and fullback work together to exploit gaps.
Barca typically defends in a 4-1-4-1 shape, staying compact and zonal in the middle third.
Barca typically defends in a 4-1-4-1 shape, staying compact and zonal in the middle third.
Like in so many games,many other games, diagonal passes remain vital to Barcelona's buildup play.
March 15, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Like in so many games,many other games, diagonal passes remain vital to Barcelona's buildup play.
The front three kept Benfica's defense busy, leaving tons of space between the lines.
Benfica tried pressing high with a -1 to keep a +1 at the back, but sacrificing Kökçü left holes. Olmo exploited, finding space to receive the ball.
Benfica tried pressing high with a -1 to keep a +1 at the back, but sacrificing Kökçü left holes. Olmo exploited, finding space to receive the ball.
March 15, 2025 at 5:24 AM
The front three kept Benfica's defense busy, leaving tons of space between the lines.
Benfica tried pressing high with a -1 to keep a +1 at the back, but sacrificing Kökçü left holes. Olmo exploited, finding space to receive the ball.
Benfica tried pressing high with a -1 to keep a +1 at the back, but sacrificing Kökçü left holes. Olmo exploited, finding space to receive the ball.
Barca's biggest edge vs Benfica was the superiority during build-up play.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
March 15, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Barca's biggest edge vs Benfica was the superiority during build-up play.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
They used a 4-3-3 setup with CBs Araujo and Inigo spreading wide, FBs Balde and Kounde supporting nearby, and 3 midfielders moving flexibly. Often, FDJ and Pedri dropped as double pivots while Olmo floated between the lines.
February 20, 2025 at 5:08 AM
As a result, space opened up for Ratiu, as he made a well-timed, unmarked run into Balde’s blind side, attacking the gap with a parallel run.
Simultaneously, substitute Embarba rushed behind Cubarsí to exploit the overload, but the opportunity was thwarted when Cubarsí intercepted the FB's cross.
Simultaneously, substitute Embarba rushed behind Cubarsí to exploit the overload, but the opportunity was thwarted when Cubarsí intercepted the FB's cross.
February 20, 2025 at 5:04 AM
As a result, space opened up for Ratiu, as he made a well-timed, unmarked run into Balde’s blind side, attacking the gap with a parallel run.
Simultaneously, substitute Embarba rushed behind Cubarsí to exploit the overload, but the opportunity was thwarted when Cubarsí intercepted the FB's cross.
Simultaneously, substitute Embarba rushed behind Cubarsí to exploit the overload, but the opportunity was thwarted when Cubarsí intercepted the FB's cross.
Isi received the ball in a goal-facing position and expertly released Chavarria into space.
However, Chavarria was unable to capitalize on the opportunity by delivering a decisive pass to his teammates making runs into the box.
However, Chavarria was unable to capitalize on the opportunity by delivering a decisive pass to his teammates making runs into the box.
February 20, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Isi received the ball in a goal-facing position and expertly released Chavarria into space.
However, Chavarria was unable to capitalize on the opportunity by delivering a decisive pass to his teammates making runs into the box.
However, Chavarria was unable to capitalize on the opportunity by delivering a decisive pass to his teammates making runs into the box.
As the match neared the hour mark, Rayo Vallecano executed another effective deep buildup, with Isi linking up with full-back Chavarría and winger García on the flank to create numerical superiority and penetrate Barça's defense.
February 20, 2025 at 4:58 AM
As the match neared the hour mark, Rayo Vallecano executed another effective deep buildup, with Isi linking up with full-back Chavarría and winger García on the flank to create numerical superiority and penetrate Barça's defense.
Additionally Balde's inability to close down De Frutos allows Rayo to maintain possession and switch play to the opposite flank.
With space and time, Chavarría advances the ball and delivers a cross, but once again, his teammates fail to capitalize on the opportunity.
With space and time, Chavarría advances the ball and delivers a cross, but once again, his teammates fail to capitalize on the opportunity.
February 20, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Additionally Balde's inability to close down De Frutos allows Rayo to maintain possession and switch play to the opposite flank.
With space and time, Chavarría advances the ball and delivers a cross, but once again, his teammates fail to capitalize on the opportunity.
With space and time, Chavarría advances the ball and delivers a cross, but once again, his teammates fail to capitalize on the opportunity.
In the second half, Rayo effectively accesses the free man, Lejeune, during a buildup.
Gavi stays distant from Ciss, allowing the GK to find him.
When Lejeune receives the ball, Barcelona's high press is disrupted as Raphinha fails to respond quickly to Gavi, enabling Lejeune to pass it to the RB.
Gavi stays distant from Ciss, allowing the GK to find him.
When Lejeune receives the ball, Barcelona's high press is disrupted as Raphinha fails to respond quickly to Gavi, enabling Lejeune to pass it to the RB.
February 20, 2025 at 4:48 AM
In the second half, Rayo effectively accesses the free man, Lejeune, during a buildup.
Gavi stays distant from Ciss, allowing the GK to find him.
When Lejeune receives the ball, Barcelona's high press is disrupted as Raphinha fails to respond quickly to Gavi, enabling Lejeune to pass it to the RB.
Gavi stays distant from Ciss, allowing the GK to find him.
When Lejeune receives the ball, Barcelona's high press is disrupted as Raphinha fails to respond quickly to Gavi, enabling Lejeune to pass it to the RB.
As the attack advances, Chavarría makes a run into the box unmarked, outpacing Fort to meet García’s cross.
However, due to a heavy first touch, Chavarría miscontroles the ball and fails to capitalize on the significant opportunity.
However, due to a heavy first touch, Chavarría miscontroles the ball and fails to capitalize on the significant opportunity.
February 20, 2025 at 4:44 AM
As the attack advances, Chavarría makes a run into the box unmarked, outpacing Fort to meet García’s cross.
However, due to a heavy first touch, Chavarría miscontroles the ball and fails to capitalize on the significant opportunity.
However, due to a heavy first touch, Chavarría miscontroles the ball and fails to capitalize on the significant opportunity.
Barcelona faced difficulties with their pressing, particularly in relation to Raphinha and Lamine Yamal's assignments to track and close down the opposing full-backs and wingers.
February 20, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Barcelona faced difficulties with their pressing, particularly in relation to Raphinha and Lamine Yamal's assignments to track and close down the opposing full-backs and wingers.
Lewandowski attempted to adjust by drifting to the wing, aiming to pull CB Lejeune out of position and create space in the center for Raphinha.
However, Rayo Vallecano didn't fall for the tactic: the center-back remained stationed, recognizing that Lewandowski posed less of a threat out wide.
However, Rayo Vallecano didn't fall for the tactic: the center-back remained stationed, recognizing that Lewandowski posed less of a threat out wide.
February 20, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Lewandowski attempted to adjust by drifting to the wing, aiming to pull CB Lejeune out of position and create space in the center for Raphinha.
However, Rayo Vallecano didn't fall for the tactic: the center-back remained stationed, recognizing that Lewandowski posed less of a threat out wide.
However, Rayo Vallecano didn't fall for the tactic: the center-back remained stationed, recognizing that Lewandowski posed less of a threat out wide.
De Frutos outmaneuvered De Jong and played a ball to Andrei Rațiu, who found space behind Balde. Nteka exploited the blind side of Inigo Martinez, while Isi and De Frutos made runs into the box to meet the cross.
However, Szczesny was quick to make a vital save.
However, Szczesny was quick to make a vital save.
February 20, 2025 at 4:36 AM
De Frutos outmaneuvered De Jong and played a ball to Andrei Rațiu, who found space behind Balde. Nteka exploited the blind side of Inigo Martinez, while Isi and De Frutos made runs into the box to meet the cross.
However, Szczesny was quick to make a vital save.
However, Szczesny was quick to make a vital save.
Rayo Vallecano adjusted their high press with to disrupt Barcelona's buildup. Nteka positioned himself near the goalkeeper, preventing any backward passes, while De Frutos moved inside to close down Frenkie De Jong.
Meanwhile, Ciss and Diaz tracked Pedri and Gavi with tight man-marking.
Meanwhile, Ciss and Diaz tracked Pedri and Gavi with tight man-marking.
February 20, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Rayo Vallecano adjusted their high press with to disrupt Barcelona's buildup. Nteka positioned himself near the goalkeeper, preventing any backward passes, while De Frutos moved inside to close down Frenkie De Jong.
Meanwhile, Ciss and Diaz tracked Pedri and Gavi with tight man-marking.
Meanwhile, Ciss and Diaz tracked Pedri and Gavi with tight man-marking.
Lewandowski’s body orientation enables him to deliver a one touch pass into the space behind for the inverted Balde, who takes advantage of the gaps created by Lewandowski’s movement and Raphinha’s deeper positioning, but the Polish's pass was intercepted.
February 20, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Lewandowski’s body orientation enables him to deliver a one touch pass into the space behind for the inverted Balde, who takes advantage of the gaps created by Lewandowski’s movement and Raphinha’s deeper positioning, but the Polish's pass was intercepted.
How Rayo Vallecano unmasked Barcelona’s def flaws 🧵🎥
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
February 20, 2025 at 4:31 AM
How Rayo Vallecano unmasked Barcelona’s def flaws 🧵🎥
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
Rayo opted for a m2m press in midfield while keeping a +1 in defense with Isi and Nteka targeting the CBs.
However, Barcelona exploited the opposite flank by switching the ball to Balde, creating a 2v1 advantage with lot of space to advance.
After Inter took a 1-0 lead, Inzaghi switched to a 3-4-3 formation by substituting Correa for Calhanoglu in the 80th minute. In response, Juventus adapted quickly, shifting to a back five, with Locatelli—who came on for Thuram in the 77th minute—joining Gatti and Veiga in defense.
February 18, 2025 at 10:54 PM
After Inter took a 1-0 lead, Inzaghi switched to a 3-4-3 formation by substituting Correa for Calhanoglu in the 80th minute. In response, Juventus adapted quickly, shifting to a back five, with Locatelli—who came on for Thuram in the 77th minute—joining Gatti and Veiga in defense.
Here, Acerbi attempts to locate Marcus Thuram in the area behind Koopmeiners. However, Gatti is right there, pressuring him, and manages to get to the ball before the French striker does.
February 18, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Here, Acerbi attempts to locate Marcus Thuram in the area behind Koopmeiners. However, Gatti is right there, pressuring him, and manages to get to the ball before the French striker does.