England u21s – Germany u21s 3:2
England, despite tactical flaws, pulled off somewhat of an upset against a team regarded as one of the best youth teams in the world, possessing over 600 more club appearances than their home opposition.
Über TP
@tompayneftbl
DC United – LA Galaxy 1:0
Despite making just over a third of their opposition’s shots, DC ultimately edged their west-coast opponents with a last minute winner courtesy of the impressive Pontius.
France – Brazil 1:3
Dunga’s Brazil continued their revitalization with their dynamic system in possession being of the most exciting features of Dunga’s side against France. The strikerless 4-2-2-2 shape was important in their defeat of France as it incorporated and utilised the movements of Neymar, Firmino and Oscar to facilitate their possession-focused style.
Bayern Munich – Borussia M’Gladbach 0:2
The tactical battle of the biggest game for matchday 26 of the Bundesliga saw Lucien Favre of Gladbach victorious over Pep, in what is becoming one of the best tactical duels in the league.
Bournemouth – Middlesbrough 3:0
Karanka’s Middlesbrough failed to make it 3 wins out of 3 in their recent matches against promotion rivals in what is shaping up to be an excitingly close battle between the top 4 teams.
Borussia Dortmund – Juventus 0:3
“We face one of the biggest challenges in football – to win against an Italian side who only need a draw.”
At least Klopp was right about one thing on Wednesday night (unless you count the post match – “we deserved to lose”),
Wolfsburg – Inter Milan 3:1
Especially whilst Schurrle was on the pitch, rotations between the ‘3’ of Wolfsburg’s 4-2-3-1 were common. The most frequent rotation in this aspect was between Kevin De Bruyne and Andre Schurrle which happened commonly when the Wolves had possession.
Manchester United – Arsenal 1:2
Arsene Wenger left Manchester with a deserved victory to progress into the semi-final of the FA cup, following a strong performance against a poor opposition in Manchester United.
Bayer Leverkusen – Atlético Madrid 1:0
In the first leg of what was the most exciting prospects from the selection of CL matches a great game was expected, yet not primarily in the players on show but the tactical ability of the two managers who are, especially in the case of El Cholo, regarded amongst the best in the world.
Liverpool – Besiktas 1:0
Liverpool proved the victor over a defensive Besiktas team which offered little in attack. Neither team excelled on the night but Liverpool were the superior team and controlled, yet they at times were found reliant on Ibe who, thankfully for Rodgers, excelled.