Hertha BSC – Borussia Dortmund 0:0
In what was a highly interesting match from an analytical standpoint, Hertha BSC held Borussia Dortmund to a 0-0 draw. The Berlin side put a serious challenge in front of Thomas Tuchel’s team.
Barcelona – Atlético Madrid 2:1
Barcelona hosted Atlético in a clash between two elite sides at the top of the Spanish first division. Although the outcome was inevitably influenced by the two red cards, some important changes from both managers were also key in what was an interesting match-up.
Borussia Dortmund – FC Ingolstadt 2:0
After numerous failed rumours of incoming players at Dortmund, Tuchel’s side went into the 2nd match-day of the Rückrunde with a rotated squad which showed their limitations as they struggled against Ingolstadt.
Mainz – Borussia M’Gladbach 1:0
Martin Schmidt’s Mainz edged Gladbach in quite a close 1-0 win which highlighted the attacking issues that Schubert’s side is faced with.
Juventus – Roma 1:0
Juventus recorded their 11th consecutive league win after Paulo Dybala scored the only goal against a Roma side who showed issues both with and without the ball.
Borussia M’Gladbach – Borussia Dortmund 1:3
After the Bundesliga finally made its comeback on Friday night, we were treated to a range of matches yesterday with the pick of the bunch being a repeat of the season opener as Dortmund travelled to Mönchengladbach’s Borussia Park.
Hamburger SV – Bayern Munich 1:2
The Bundesliga is back! After an awfully long Christmas period, football in the German top flight returns. Before the main bulk of the fixtures tomorrow, we were treated to a match between Bayern and HSV in a clash which has panierved up some great Bavarian performances in past years.
Liverpool – Manchester United 0:1
There was huge excitement as these two teams came off the back of 3-3 draws in midweek to play the biggest derby fixture in the Best League In The World™. Unfortunately it wasn’t the most entertaining of derbies, with both teams recording an xG (expected goals) of under 1 (0.8 and 0.7 respectively). This piece will focus on two of the main issues that have been on the minds of all Premier League fans this season: why are United so rubbish in attack? and why do they concede so few chances. I’ll also have a look at Liverpool’s attacking strategy.
Napoli – Inter Milan 0:2
Last night we saw a Coppa Italia match between two of the best-performing teams in the Serie A this season. Maurizio Sarri’s table-topping Napoli side played host to Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan in a game which was characterised by two weak possession games. It took until late in the 2nd half for Inter to break the deadlock which itself was a long-distance shot following a failed attempt by Napoli to move the ball into the centre of midfield.
Game changers in the making
Let us look at six of the best teenagers who still play in their home countries. Rather sooner than later, these players will most likely give some of the elite players at elite clubs a run for their money.