Molde - August 23rd,

A cool evening with some showers set the stage at Aker Stadion (Norway) for Playoff’s 1st leg of the UEFA Champions League. The artificial turf is common in Scandinavia but a rarity elsewhere at this level.

The Norwegian Champion, Molde, received the Turkish Champion, Galatasaray. A very important match for both teams.

Molde, approaching the final third of their season (Eliteserien last match is in early December), arrived at this match with the team geared up and more prepared. They went to the pitch with a 1-3-5-2 formation. When defending in their own half it unfolded in a 1-5-3-2 shape also adopting a 1-5-4-1 at times. While attacking the Norwegian team shown more fluidity presenting mostly 1-3-3-4 or 1-2-3-5 shapes. The home side played with a mixed passing style with high tempo. They played through to break the opposition’s midfield lines, over and around to explore the space in the wings. The fast transitions, counters and quick attacks were effective in taking the ball to finishing zones. Tactically well-prepared Molde’s pressed high with a high block, making it difficult for the Turkish side to construct from the back and allowed them to recover many balls.

Galatasaray, on other hand, had its first official game less than one month before. They adopted a 1-4-2-3-1 Formation. The shape would shift between 1-5-2-2-1 when defending deep and the 1-3-3-4 when in the attacking phase. The away side tried to play over to Icardi and to the back of opposition’s defence. They also played around when they had the possibility. Galatasaray tried to explore the wings, mostly with individual plays. The Turkish never seemed to have much teamwork or work rate which made the match harder.

The match started with Molde stronger and more motivated. The fans helped to push the team forward. The Turkish team looked surprised, showing lack of concentration and communication. The players were slow to recover positions and, consequently, opened spaces between lines and in the defence.

The home side’s teamwork, work rate and aggressiveness to dispute each ball allowed them to score early in the match. Corner on the right and Ellingsen (8’), without any pressure, made the 1-0 with a header.

After the goal, Molde kept the high pressure and the dominium of the game. Physically stronger, highly motivated and with a good positioning, they were recovering balls high in the pitch and attacking mostly through the wings.

Galatasaray tried to react. They played over and around to find spaces, but it didn’t seem possible until the 25th minute. Sérgio Oliveira took a freekick on the central-right side, the ball deflected on the wall and into the goal. 1-1.

Four minutes after, the 1-2. Akgün put a ball over to the back of the defence and Icardi finished it with a great volley.  

The last 15/20 minutes of the first half had opportunities for both sides but the score didn’t change.

Molde was more dominant, playing well and taking the ball to the finishing zone. Having 7 interceptions, 7 completed crosses and 12 shots we can see the home side’s high pressure effect and offensive flow. Galatasaray went to half time with two goals in 2 shots on target out of 3, 2 big opportunities created (1 missed) and giving the impression that, if they managed to increase the pace, they could create much danger to the Norwegians.

The second half was similar to the first. Molde started better, kept pressing high and creating chances to score. They explored mostly the left wing to get the ball near the opposition’s penalty area.

In the 56th minute, Knudtzon crossed from the right to the second post where Haugen appeared, finishing with a half volley and making the equaliser (2-2).

Molde controlled the game until the 90th minute. They kept a high pressure and high block most of the time and created several situations to finish.

Entering the last two minutes of the compensation time, Icardi manages to escape the marking and, in front of the goalkeeper, he assisted Midtsjo. The 2-3 was done.

The match finished soon after.

Molde played very well. They were fierce, had teamwork and worked a lot to try to win the match. The 15 interceptions show how effective the high pressure was. They had a good number of crosses completed (13/22) and managed to put the ball in to be finished, but failed to score the big chances they created (0/3).

Galatasaray was extremely effective. They scored the 3 shots they made on goal and manage to get a great result.

Key Player

Icardi – Was alone most of the time but always focused. In 27 touches in the ball, he was able to make 2 key passes, creating 2 big chances. Won most of the duels. Finishes the game with one goal (What a goal!) and one assist. Absolutely decisive.