ACHRAF
@lamdarhriachraf.bsky.social
✍️ Football Writer focusing mainly on Tactical Analysis BetweenThePosts.net. Most Importantly Philosophy Lover.
Founder of The Inside Channel Blog 👇.
https://lamdarhri.substack.com/
Founder of The Inside Channel Blog 👇.
https://lamdarhri.substack.com/
There is too much defensive work for Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Vinicius Junior to add to their repertoire.
December 2, 2025 at 10:25 PM
There is too much defensive work for Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Vinicius Junior to add to their repertoire.
In this example, Merino tended to step behind the block, dragging Tah with him to evacuate the left half space for Declan Rice to make use of.
The generated a passing lane between the latter and Zubimendi to progress the ball.
The generated a passing lane between the latter and Zubimendi to progress the ball.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
In this example, Merino tended to step behind the block, dragging Tah with him to evacuate the left half space for Declan Rice to make use of.
The generated a passing lane between the latter and Zubimendi to progress the ball.
The generated a passing lane between the latter and Zubimendi to progress the ball.
As a result, Arsenal have a free player to rely on. In this example, Kimmich left Merino free and opted for covering Tah’s space. In the meantime, Saka and Timber pushed Laimer and Gnabry forward, leaving room for Merino to receive unpressurized.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
As a result, Arsenal have a free player to rely on. In this example, Kimmich left Merino free and opted for covering Tah’s space. In the meantime, Saka and Timber pushed Laimer and Gnabry forward, leaving room for Merino to receive unpressurized.
With Jonathan Tah and Upamecano leaving their spots and advancing following their markers forward, Bayern Munich remained exposed to Arsenal's long clips for a runner in behind.
As a reaction, one of the Bavarian players who was close to the center-backs’ spots tended to plug the gap.
As a reaction, one of the Bavarian players who was close to the center-backs’ spots tended to plug the gap.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
With Jonathan Tah and Upamecano leaving their spots and advancing following their markers forward, Bayern Munich remained exposed to Arsenal's long clips for a runner in behind.
As a reaction, one of the Bavarian players who was close to the center-backs’ spots tended to plug the gap.
As a reaction, one of the Bavarian players who was close to the center-backs’ spots tended to plug the gap.
With Bayern Munich’s man-marking approach, David Raya was the free man for Arsenal. Merino and Eze’s deeper movements allowed Timber, Saka, and Trossard to drive inside and exploit the space behind.
In this instance, Timber towered over Laimer to head the ball behind for Saka.
In this instance, Timber towered over Laimer to head the ball behind for Saka.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
With Bayern Munich’s man-marking approach, David Raya was the free man for Arsenal. Merino and Eze’s deeper movements allowed Timber, Saka, and Trossard to drive inside and exploit the space behind.
In this instance, Timber towered over Laimer to head the ball behind for Saka.
In this instance, Timber towered over Laimer to head the ball behind for Saka.
In this instance, Lewis Skelly and Rice swapped positions. MLS, Zubimendi, and Eze pulled their markers forward, enabling space for Madueke to operate against Stanisic.
The latter, with a good hold-up play, exerted full control over Mosquera's chip and released Rice in space behind.
The latter, with a good hold-up play, exerted full control over Mosquera's chip and released Rice in space behind.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
In this instance, Lewis Skelly and Rice swapped positions. MLS, Zubimendi, and Eze pulled their markers forward, enabling space for Madueke to operate against Stanisic.
The latter, with a good hold-up play, exerted full control over Mosquera's chip and released Rice in space behind.
The latter, with a good hold-up play, exerted full control over Mosquera's chip and released Rice in space behind.
The latter dragged Tah forward, with the former operating as a target for Raya’s long passes. In the meantime, Timber took advantage of Gnabry's moving toward the duel zone to attack freely the space behind, as Merino would win the aerial battle and head the ball forward.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
The latter dragged Tah forward, with the former operating as a target for Raya’s long passes. In the meantime, Timber took advantage of Gnabry's moving toward the duel zone to attack freely the space behind, as Merino would win the aerial battle and head the ball forward.
That gave Saka and Trossard the license to narrow inside and act as targets for Raya’s long passes.
Arsenal relied heavily on positional rotations to manipulate Bayern Munich’s players and generate optimal situations to attack the space behind.
Here, Merino and Saka exchanged positions and roles.
Arsenal relied heavily on positional rotations to manipulate Bayern Munich’s players and generate optimal situations to attack the space behind.
Here, Merino and Saka exchanged positions and roles.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
That gave Saka and Trossard the license to narrow inside and act as targets for Raya’s long passes.
Arsenal relied heavily on positional rotations to manipulate Bayern Munich’s players and generate optimal situations to attack the space behind.
Here, Merino and Saka exchanged positions and roles.
Arsenal relied heavily on positional rotations to manipulate Bayern Munich’s players and generate optimal situations to attack the space behind.
Here, Merino and Saka exchanged positions and roles.
As aforementioned, in possession, Arsenal CBs split wide alongside David Raya, with the FBs pushing on near the touchlines.
To exploit the space behind Bayern Munich’s backline, Merino and Eze tended to move deeper to draw Tah and Upamecano’s attentions.
To exploit the space behind Bayern Munich’s backline, Merino and Eze tended to move deeper to draw Tah and Upamecano’s attentions.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
As aforementioned, in possession, Arsenal CBs split wide alongside David Raya, with the FBs pushing on near the touchlines.
To exploit the space behind Bayern Munich’s backline, Merino and Eze tended to move deeper to draw Tah and Upamecano’s attentions.
To exploit the space behind Bayern Munich’s backline, Merino and Eze tended to move deeper to draw Tah and Upamecano’s attentions.
Merino dropped in BTLs, leaving Laimer guessing whether to follow him to stand still. Timber intentionally moved a bit toward the right to keep Gnabry tied and further him from Merino for the latter to punish the space behind Bayern’s backline.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Merino dropped in BTLs, leaving Laimer guessing whether to follow him to stand still. Timber intentionally moved a bit toward the right to keep Gnabry tied and further him from Merino for the latter to punish the space behind Bayern’s backline.
Here, Zubimendi retreated to cover Karl, with Rice dripping to sweep behind Mosquera. As Arsenal recovered the ball, they had the numerical advantage in the backline. So, it required Pavlovic to cover all the distance to jump on Zubimendi and leave Saka for Kimmich.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Here, Zubimendi retreated to cover Karl, with Rice dripping to sweep behind Mosquera. As Arsenal recovered the ball, they had the numerical advantage in the backline. So, it required Pavlovic to cover all the distance to jump on Zubimendi and leave Saka for Kimmich.
The goal was to rely on the FB to bypass his marker, slide an out-in pass for the winger to switch the ball to the other side, or release runners behind Bayern Munich's defense.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
The goal was to rely on the FB to bypass his marker, slide an out-in pass for the winger to switch the ball to the other side, or release runners behind Bayern Munich's defense.
Arsenal FBs hugged the touchlines, with the wingers Saka and Trossard drifting infield to allow Timber and Lewis Skelly space to push on or generate the diagonal passing lanes between wingers-FBs.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Arsenal FBs hugged the touchlines, with the wingers Saka and Trossard drifting infield to allow Timber and Lewis Skelly space to push on or generate the diagonal passing lanes between wingers-FBs.
Usually, Arsenal CBs split wide to expand the distance between their markers and be able to initiate the attacking sequence. Playing against a man-marking high press requires creating separation and winning your 1v1 matchups.
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Usually, Arsenal CBs split wide to expand the distance between their markers and be able to initiate the attacking sequence. Playing against a man-marking high press requires creating separation and winning your 1v1 matchups.
Bayern Munich and Arsenal employed intense man-marking approaches, targeting the space behind each other by manipulating their players.
Arsenal made use of Merino's off-ball movements, aerial, and link-up abilities to draw markers & exploit the space behind Bayern.
🚨 A Thread
Arsenal made use of Merino's off-ball movements, aerial, and link-up abilities to draw markers & exploit the space behind Bayern.
🚨 A Thread
November 29, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Bayern Munich and Arsenal employed intense man-marking approaches, targeting the space behind each other by manipulating their players.
Arsenal made use of Merino's off-ball movements, aerial, and link-up abilities to draw markers & exploit the space behind Bayern.
🚨 A Thread
Arsenal made use of Merino's off-ball movements, aerial, and link-up abilities to draw markers & exploit the space behind Bayern.
🚨 A Thread
This is a subpar, reckless move (step-out) from Upamecano.
Normally, a CB must step out before the player exerts full control over the knockdown. By doing so, the CB gives himself the opportunity for a clearance, a chance to win the second ball, or get tight against the opposition for a duel.
Normally, a CB must step out before the player exerts full control over the knockdown. By doing so, the CB gives himself the opportunity for a clearance, a chance to win the second ball, or get tight against the opposition for a duel.
November 27, 2025 at 4:21 PM
This is a subpar, reckless move (step-out) from Upamecano.
Normally, a CB must step out before the player exerts full control over the knockdown. By doing so, the CB gives himself the opportunity for a clearance, a chance to win the second ball, or get tight against the opposition for a duel.
Normally, a CB must step out before the player exerts full control over the knockdown. By doing so, the CB gives himself the opportunity for a clearance, a chance to win the second ball, or get tight against the opposition for a duel.
...once he spotted Bellingham was going to switch.
Barca zone 14 was vacated as De Jong was still recovering, whereas Pedri shifted across to offer wide support.
So, Bellingham was alone in front of the defensive line to switch the play toward the right, where Mbappé & Valverde outnumbered Balde.
Barca zone 14 was vacated as De Jong was still recovering, whereas Pedri shifted across to offer wide support.
So, Bellingham was alone in front of the defensive line to switch the play toward the right, where Mbappé & Valverde outnumbered Balde.
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
...once he spotted Bellingham was going to switch.
Barca zone 14 was vacated as De Jong was still recovering, whereas Pedri shifted across to offer wide support.
So, Bellingham was alone in front of the defensive line to switch the play toward the right, where Mbappé & Valverde outnumbered Balde.
Barca zone 14 was vacated as De Jong was still recovering, whereas Pedri shifted across to offer wide support.
So, Bellingham was alone in front of the defensive line to switch the play toward the right, where Mbappé & Valverde outnumbered Balde.
Tchouaméni picked out Camavinga, who pinned Balde inside & dropped off.
RMA again had a 2v1 situation around Pedri (the free player could be found as RMA progressed) to work the ball out to where they had an overload (left).
Vinicius Jr wasn't bothered by the offside as he adjusted his position...
RMA again had a 2v1 situation around Pedri (the free player could be found as RMA progressed) to work the ball out to where they had an overload (left).
Vinicius Jr wasn't bothered by the offside as he adjusted his position...
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Tchouaméni picked out Camavinga, who pinned Balde inside & dropped off.
RMA again had a 2v1 situation around Pedri (the free player could be found as RMA progressed) to work the ball out to where they had an overload (left).
Vinicius Jr wasn't bothered by the offside as he adjusted his position...
RMA again had a 2v1 situation around Pedri (the free player could be found as RMA progressed) to work the ball out to where they had an overload (left).
Vinicius Jr wasn't bothered by the offside as he adjusted his position...
As a result, Dean Huijsen is free, and the Barcelona trio on RMA left side are behind Carreras, Guler, and Tchouaméni.
So, Dean Huijsen can find Tchouaméni, whose body is oriented toward the gap generated in the central corridor (Torres with Militao and Rashford with Valverde)
So, Dean Huijsen can find Tchouaméni, whose body is oriented toward the gap generated in the central corridor (Torres with Militao and Rashford with Valverde)
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
As a result, Dean Huijsen is free, and the Barcelona trio on RMA left side are behind Carreras, Guler, and Tchouaméni.
So, Dean Huijsen can find Tchouaméni, whose body is oriented toward the gap generated in the central corridor (Torres with Militao and Rashford with Valverde)
So, Dean Huijsen can find Tchouaméni, whose body is oriented toward the gap generated in the central corridor (Torres with Militao and Rashford with Valverde)
At first, De Jong tried to anticipate by leaving Guler and jumping toward Tchouaméni. However, Arda Guler faked his intentions and accessed Carreras on the left.
To neutralize the numerical superiority, Fermin Lopez took charge of Arda Guler, which was RMA's initial goal to hit.
To neutralize the numerical superiority, Fermin Lopez took charge of Arda Guler, which was RMA's initial goal to hit.
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
At first, De Jong tried to anticipate by leaving Guler and jumping toward Tchouaméni. However, Arda Guler faked his intentions and accessed Carreras on the left.
To neutralize the numerical superiority, Fermin Lopez took charge of Arda Guler, which was RMA's initial goal to hit.
To neutralize the numerical superiority, Fermin Lopez took charge of Arda Guler, which was RMA's initial goal to hit.
Arda Guler, here, moved deeper and drew De Jong. Barcelona's setup out of possession tipped the scales in Real Madrid's favor as they kept two players at the backline, whereas Tchouaméni was consequently the free man.
The goal was to generate a passing lane between Tchouaméni & Camavinga.
The goal was to generate a passing lane between Tchouaméni & Camavinga.
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Arda Guler, here, moved deeper and drew De Jong. Barcelona's setup out of possession tipped the scales in Real Madrid's favor as they kept two players at the backline, whereas Tchouaméni was consequently the free man.
The goal was to generate a passing lane between Tchouaméni & Camavinga.
The goal was to generate a passing lane between Tchouaméni & Camavinga.
so Bellingham was able to cut in (DPs shifted across)
Pedri recovered and poked the ball backward, but Cubarsi didn’t notice Mbappé behind his back.
The lateral shift and Lamine Yamal and Rashford's high position led to Koundé getting overloaded on the left side.
Pedri recovered and poked the ball backward, but Cubarsi didn’t notice Mbappé behind his back.
The lateral shift and Lamine Yamal and Rashford's high position led to Koundé getting overloaded on the left side.
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
so Bellingham was able to cut in (DPs shifted across)
Pedri recovered and poked the ball backward, but Cubarsi didn’t notice Mbappé behind his back.
The lateral shift and Lamine Yamal and Rashford's high position led to Koundé getting overloaded on the left side.
Pedri recovered and poked the ball backward, but Cubarsi didn’t notice Mbappé behind his back.
The lateral shift and Lamine Yamal and Rashford's high position led to Koundé getting overloaded on the left side.
The same happened here: Camavinga dropped in and dragged Balde forward.
Bellingham joined the crew and generated a 3v2 situation.
So, having the free man in Valverde enabled RMA to work the ball out.
Barcelona's space in front of the backline was underloaded,
Bellingham joined the crew and generated a 3v2 situation.
So, having the free man in Valverde enabled RMA to work the ball out.
Barcelona's space in front of the backline was underloaded,
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The same happened here: Camavinga dropped in and dragged Balde forward.
Bellingham joined the crew and generated a 3v2 situation.
So, having the free man in Valverde enabled RMA to work the ball out.
Barcelona's space in front of the backline was underloaded,
Bellingham joined the crew and generated a 3v2 situation.
So, having the free man in Valverde enabled RMA to work the ball out.
Barcelona's space in front of the backline was underloaded,
From an open play situation, it was easy for RMA as Rashford, out of possession, narrowed inside when Real Madrid progressed from the left.
So, in the case of possession regain or RMA recycling, Camavinga & Valverde overloaded Balde on the right.
So, in the case of possession regain or RMA recycling, Camavinga & Valverde overloaded Balde on the right.
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
From an open play situation, it was easy for RMA as Rashford, out of possession, narrowed inside when Real Madrid progressed from the left.
So, in the case of possession regain or RMA recycling, Camavinga & Valverde overloaded Balde on the right.
So, in the case of possession regain or RMA recycling, Camavinga & Valverde overloaded Balde on the right.
Not only that, but he also exploited Lamine Yamal's narrow position to switch the play to the left side where Real Madrid had a 3v1 (3v2 after Lamine Yamal worked his way back) situation.
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Not only that, but he also exploited Lamine Yamal's narrow position to switch the play to the left side where Real Madrid had a 3v1 (3v2 after Lamine Yamal worked his way back) situation.