UEFA Champions League - Group Stage 1st round 1/2 (19/09/2023)

The UEFA Champions League is back!!!

A lot has happened in the first day of the 1st round in the group stage although without surprises.

I have focused on two matches. One was the return of Newcastle United to the Champions League after more than 20 years and the return of Sandro Tonali to the city of Milan to face his previous club.

The second was the renewed Barcelona against Royal Antwerp, who’s made its comeback after 66 years.

The AC Milan – Newcastle Utd of the group F promised a lot. This group is theoretically the strongest one in this year’s Champions league edition. All teams have arguments to pass and all games should be very even.

In San Siro, both teams had similar approaches in the display of their players on the pitch. Italians and English presented a 1-4-3-3 formation, shape maintained in parts of the game (when defending high in the middle third). The shape shifted for a 1-4-5-1 defending in their midfield and to a 1-5-3-2 when in defending near the area (defensive third).

AC Milan, with more experience in this competition and playing at home, was tactically better. Defended, positioned and closed the spaces well, not allowing many opportunities throughout the match. The transitions to attack were better supported with Giroud moving closer to the midfield, dragging the defense and, consequently, opening spaces. In the wings, Rafa Leão on the left/center left and Chukwueze on the right, provided versatility and speed.

Newcastle tried to explore quick transitions, especially through the right wing with the triangulations involving Trippier, Longstaff and Murphy. Isak was always too far away, either from teammates when worked as an anchor near defense and from goal when he came down in the field to support.

Naturally Milan dominated the game, creating several chances (what a waste by Leão at 33’). The English side seemed to lack creativity to cause danger and surpass the well organised Italian side. Both teams failed to score ending in a 0-0.

The match between Barcelona – Royal Antwerp was one sided.

The Catalans presented the usual 1-4-3-3 formation, which maintained in several periods throughout the match. The shape changed between variations of the 1-4-3-3 and a 1-2-3-5 while attacking in the last third.

Royal Antwerp started out with a 1-4-2-3-1 formation. The shape changed to a 1-4-5-1 and 1-5-4-1 when defending deep.

Despite the first 10 minutes while the teams were more less even, it was widely dominated by Barcelona.  The triangle De Jong – Gundogan – Gavi was very effective in the midfield, controlling possession and giving always pass options. The involvement of the wingbacks in the attack helped and gave options to pass and cross. The front 3 (Félix, Lewandowski and Raphinha) combined well and disorientated the Belgian’s defense. Between minute 11 and 22, the Spanish champions scored three times, decided the match and killed the mental strength of the away team. Second half was more of the same. The most Royal Antwerp could do was counter attack a couple of times, always through their right side. The final result was a clear 5-0 to the Spanish champions.