On this football podcast, Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Liam Tharme discuss the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. They analyze Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid vs. Man City, Barcelona vs. PSG, and Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund. They delve into tactical choices, defensive vulnerabilities, and strategic performances of the teams.
Teams like Arsenal and Bayern Munich struggled to maintain leads, hinting at tactical vulnerabilities.
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City displayed offensive prowess despite rule changes affecting gameplay.
Barcelona's strategic prowess and adaptability against PSG showcased effective offensive tactics and player versatility.
Deep dives
Exciting UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals
The recent UEFA Champions League quarterfinals showcased thrilling encounters, such as Arsenal against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid facing Dortmund. These matches displayed momentum swings, with teams like Arsenal and Bayern giving up leads. City versus Real Madrid displayed attacking football despite the absence of the away goals rule, hinting at a shift towards more conservative play in Europe.
Strategic Moves in Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich
Arsenal's tactical decisions, like fielding players like Curier over Zinchenko, impacted their performance against Bayern Munich. The match highlighted issues in defense and strategic choices affecting the flow of the game. Observations on players' strengths and weaknesses in different positions influenced the dynamics on the field.
Barcelona's Matches Analysis
Barcelona's game against PSG showcased offensive strategies, intricate passing, and adaptability in dominating play. Tactical shifts were notable as players like Rodrigo de Paul displayed versatility and precision in pressing and ball distribution, leading to goal-scoring opportunities.
Dortmund's Defensive Struggles and Revival
Dortmund's defensive lapses against Atletico Madrid led to early goals, exposing vulnerabilities in their structure. However, tactical adjustments and substitutions injected energy into their attack and defensive solidity, resulting in a comeback in the second half against Atletico.
Atletico Madrid's Strategic Advantage
Atletico Madrid's adept mix of defense and attack, led by players like Antoine Griezmann, showcased resilience and adaptability in high-pressure situations. Griezmann's tactical awareness and playmaking abilities demonstrated a significant impact on his team's performance, creating scoring opportunities and influencing the outcome of the match.
In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the halfway point of the Champions League quarter finals; and what to look out for when those ties conclude next week.
First up, it’s Arsenal and Bayern Munich sharing the first leg spoils by drawing 2-2 in North London.
We then head to Madrid and rule the rule over the incredible 3-3 draw between Real Madrid and reigning European champions Manchester City.
Our third stop is Paris to decide who showed the most “Barca DNA” in Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Paris St Germain.
And finally, we return to the Spanish capital to assess whether Atheltico Madrid’s 2-1 advantage over Borussia Dortmund is enough when Diego Simeone’s side face the fierce atmosphere of the Signal Iduna Park.