Tactical analysis proposition : SL Benfica π¦
π΄ - Sporting CP π¦π’βͺοΈ
Sporting had the objective to duplicate Benfica's system off the ball, to shadow their double pivot (Weigl-J.Mario), cut central passing angles, force Benfica to play with wingbacks and jump on them to take the ball back quickly.
Then, vertical projection with various moves for ball carrier and navigate in half spaces created.
Concerning Benfica, who had the same system as Sporting, they chose, in median block to have interiors (Everton-Rafa Silva) wide to stretch 5atb Sporting line.
Close distance also between Joao Mario and Weigl.
Close distance also between Joao Mario and Weigl.
In Sporting's defensive third, Benfica's interiors come inside to disturb man marking and allow wingbacks getting a wide position.
But Sporting off ball animation is strong, 5-2-3 automatically slides depending on ball orientation.
Benfica couldn't progress.
But Sporting off ball animation is strong, 5-2-3 automatically slides depending on ball orientation.
Benfica couldn't progress.
R.Amorim has implemented strong anticipation to his players. Here, Goncalves is already preparing to a back pass, and Neto ready to press Everton.
Even Benfica's project to take advantage on lanes is interesting, every passing scheme is anticipated.
Even Benfica's project to take advantage on lanes is interesting, every passing scheme is anticipated.
On the first goal, Benfica's defense had eyes focused on P.Goncalves, and forgot player at second post. We have seen this pattern implemented several times for Sporting, always ended with goal situation (2nd one at 45+1')
Sporting is not a team who struggle for ball possession, but its off ball articulation is tremendous. Ugarte-Nunes strong man marking is facilitated by close distance applied by the other double pivot. No vertical passing angle available => lanes => Pedro Porro anticipation.
We see tactical discipline's gap b/w both teams in defensive transition. Sporting use its wingers high speed to stretch Benfica's defense, frequently dislocated. P. Goncalves moved aside to target that specific zone.
We have seen numerous combinations b/w Grimaldo and Everton, which jeopardized Sporting's defense, because as I said, in SCP def third, interiors move inside. Combinations were quick, but repetitive. We will see how Porro and Neto have fixed that.
That's where you know when a team has a strong tactical identity. Even if Coates is not here, Inacio replaces him in its role, to behave as #6 in build up so double pivot can progress higher.
As any 3-4-3 system, CB have strong long ball skills, and a striker who appreciates runs in behing with a curved move.
But Sporting has a precise organization to face it. 2 center backs retreating quickly, while fullbacks replace their intitial position.
But Sporting has a precise organization to face it. 2 center backs retreating quickly, while fullbacks replace their intitial position.
Sporting didn't press Benfica's defense too much, but efficiently. Here, Paulinho stays up front, and strong individual pressing to constraint ball carrier to kick the ball far away.
Benfica's 5-4-1 off the ball animation was interesting to force Sporting to create passing schemes in possession, but the distance between the two lines was huge, and let half space penetration opportunities for Sporting's wingers.
In counter attack or high possession, Paulinho does relevant runs, sometimes not rewarded, but it creates many dizzinesses in opponents defenses.
This triangle show how Matheus Nunes was involved in offensive actions, and how he helped to catalyze build up. He does it with a terrible efficiency, to create numerical superiority, centrally or on lanes.
Anticipation from opponent's main passing scheme was the tactical key from this game, and this is how Sporting fixed the danger of these combinations between Everton and Grimaldo, which was the most dangerous Benfica player yesterday.
Tactical discipline from that 5-2-3 is just insane.
Benfica has changed its double pivot strategy, Joao Mario sliding more on the right lane and Weigl taking the #6 position.
The aim was to take as soon as possible a positional advantage on the left lane.
Benfica has changed its double pivot strategy, Joao Mario sliding more on the right lane and Weigl taking the #6 position.
The aim was to take as soon as possible a positional advantage on the left lane.
Like here, with Nunez's drop off to attract Neto.
However, again, anticipation was key. Body orientation from Inacio told us he already prepared to cover Neto's man marking and jump on Grimaldo/Everton in case of run in behind.
However, again, anticipation was key. Body orientation from Inacio told us he already prepared to cover Neto's man marking and jump on Grimaldo/Everton in case of run in behind.
And now it's time to showcase M.Nunes's massive second half, which clearly gamed over the derby. After a long progressive run, he has the cold blood to address a magnificent pass to Paulinho.
Matheus Nunes made profit on Benfica's tactical change (4-2-4) to attack zones and progress vertically. His run on the 3rd goal showed strong personality this team emits.
Both graphs represent on ball activity form both teams. And it illustrates well how Benfica faced a wall in build up, and well-organized defensive animation from R.Amorim.
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