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/
...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.
The domino effect was the moment Camavinga received the ball.
Thanks to Bellingham dashing wide and Barcelona's DPs shifting toward the right, Camavinga was able to tuck inside.
Thanks to Bellingham dashing wide and Barcelona's DPs shifting toward the right, Camavinga was able to tuck inside.
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The domino effect was the moment Camavinga received the ball.
Thanks to Bellingham dashing wide and Barcelona's DPs shifting toward the right, Camavinga was able to tuck inside.
Thanks to Bellingham dashing wide and Barcelona's DPs shifting toward the right, Camavinga was able to tuck inside.
with the rest of the backline shuffling across.
Valverde intentionally darted deeper to expand the distance with Balde to gain space and time on the ball to find Camavinga.
De Jong and Pedri shifted across to provide wide support with Lamine Yamal narrowing inside toward Arda Guler.
Valverde intentionally darted deeper to expand the distance with Balde to gain space and time on the ball to find Camavinga.
De Jong and Pedri shifted across to provide wide support with Lamine Yamal narrowing inside toward Arda Guler.
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
with the rest of the backline shuffling across.
Valverde intentionally darted deeper to expand the distance with Balde to gain space and time on the ball to find Camavinga.
De Jong and Pedri shifted across to provide wide support with Lamine Yamal narrowing inside toward Arda Guler.
Valverde intentionally darted deeper to expand the distance with Balde to gain space and time on the ball to find Camavinga.
De Jong and Pedri shifted across to provide wide support with Lamine Yamal narrowing inside toward Arda Guler.
As usual, Barcelona starts the high press, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The focus here is on when Real Madrid progresses from the right side.
Initially, Tchouaméni operated as a lone pivot with Fermin Lopez marking him. Rashford jumped on Militao, so Balde had to run toward Valverde...
The focus here is on when Real Madrid progresses from the right side.
Initially, Tchouaméni operated as a lone pivot with Fermin Lopez marking him. Rashford jumped on Militao, so Balde had to run toward Valverde...
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
As usual, Barcelona starts the high press, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The focus here is on when Real Madrid progresses from the right side.
Initially, Tchouaméni operated as a lone pivot with Fermin Lopez marking him. Rashford jumped on Militao, so Balde had to run toward Valverde...
The focus here is on when Real Madrid progresses from the right side.
Initially, Tchouaméni operated as a lone pivot with Fermin Lopez marking him. Rashford jumped on Militao, so Balde had to run toward Valverde...
Xabi Alonso, post-Barcelona game, mentioned that Camavinga supported Real Madrid in the progression phase.
Not only that, but Camavinga, Arda Guler & Bellingham offer versatility & dynamism, so they were outlets in bypassing Barcelona's high press.
🚨 Thread ⚪️🔴
Not only that, but Camavinga, Arda Guler & Bellingham offer versatility & dynamism, so they were outlets in bypassing Barcelona's high press.
🚨 Thread ⚪️🔴
October 29, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Xabi Alonso, post-Barcelona game, mentioned that Camavinga supported Real Madrid in the progression phase.
Not only that, but Camavinga, Arda Guler & Bellingham offer versatility & dynamism, so they were outlets in bypassing Barcelona's high press.
🚨 Thread ⚪️🔴
Not only that, but Camavinga, Arda Guler & Bellingham offer versatility & dynamism, so they were outlets in bypassing Barcelona's high press.
🚨 Thread ⚪️🔴
Rewatching the Barcelona - Real Sociedad game, and I noticed that De Jong attacks the space between the FBs & CBs at a high frequency.
And, it's detrimental. De Jong scanning does 50% of the work to find the free areas to attack.
And, it's detrimental. De Jong scanning does 50% of the work to find the free areas to attack.
October 16, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Rewatching the Barcelona - Real Sociedad game, and I noticed that De Jong attacks the space between the FBs & CBs at a high frequency.
And, it's detrimental. De Jong scanning does 50% of the work to find the free areas to attack.
And, it's detrimental. De Jong scanning does 50% of the work to find the free areas to attack.
I was playing around to see how many passes per defensive action La Liga teams have allowed since 2015/16.
Real Madrid PPDA in their winning seasons is higher than in the previous one.
In other words, RMA allows more passes per defensive action in the season they win La Liga.
Real Madrid PPDA in their winning seasons is higher than in the previous one.
In other words, RMA allows more passes per defensive action in the season they win La Liga.
October 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
I was playing around to see how many passes per defensive action La Liga teams have allowed since 2015/16.
Real Madrid PPDA in their winning seasons is higher than in the previous one.
In other words, RMA allows more passes per defensive action in the season they win La Liga.
Real Madrid PPDA in their winning seasons is higher than in the previous one.
In other words, RMA allows more passes per defensive action in the season they win La Liga.
One detail I would like to touch on is how Barcelona FBs generate the diagonal passing angle even if they are closed down (Balde & Gerard Martin)
Here, Gerard Martin orients his body a bit toward the touchlines as if he will pass the ball to Rashford.
Here, Gerard Martin orients his body a bit toward the touchlines as if he will pass the ball to Rashford.
October 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
One detail I would like to touch on is how Barcelona FBs generate the diagonal passing angle even if they are closed down (Balde & Gerard Martin)
Here, Gerard Martin orients his body a bit toward the touchlines as if he will pass the ball to Rashford.
Here, Gerard Martin orients his body a bit toward the touchlines as if he will pass the ball to Rashford.
Here, Pedri & De Jong entice PSG mids to press forward.
As Balde readies himself to slide the diagonal pass, Ferran Torres shifts wide to expand the space where Lewandowski has to drop.
Miscommunication between Lewandowski & Bernal turned a qualitative buildup into a transition for PSG.
As Balde readies himself to slide the diagonal pass, Ferran Torres shifts wide to expand the space where Lewandowski has to drop.
Miscommunication between Lewandowski & Bernal turned a qualitative buildup into a transition for PSG.
October 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Here, Pedri & De Jong entice PSG mids to press forward.
As Balde readies himself to slide the diagonal pass, Ferran Torres shifts wide to expand the space where Lewandowski has to drop.
Miscommunication between Lewandowski & Bernal turned a qualitative buildup into a transition for PSG.
As Balde readies himself to slide the diagonal pass, Ferran Torres shifts wide to expand the space where Lewandowski has to drop.
Miscommunication between Lewandowski & Bernal turned a qualitative buildup into a transition for PSG.
Barcelona's diagonal play is simple but very effective.
A 4-2-3-1 buildup shape in which Pedri & De Jong drop deeper to bait their markers forward, & the ball-side winger (Rashford) drops & offers width.
So, the ST (Ferran Torres) can move into the stretched space BTLs to lay the ball off.
A 4-2-3-1 buildup shape in which Pedri & De Jong drop deeper to bait their markers forward, & the ball-side winger (Rashford) drops & offers width.
So, the ST (Ferran Torres) can move into the stretched space BTLs to lay the ball off.
October 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Barcelona's diagonal play is simple but very effective.
A 4-2-3-1 buildup shape in which Pedri & De Jong drop deeper to bait their markers forward, & the ball-side winger (Rashford) drops & offers width.
So, the ST (Ferran Torres) can move into the stretched space BTLs to lay the ball off.
A 4-2-3-1 buildup shape in which Pedri & De Jong drop deeper to bait their markers forward, & the ball-side winger (Rashford) drops & offers width.
So, the ST (Ferran Torres) can move into the stretched space BTLs to lay the ball off.
MyGamePlan launched the MGContribution metric, a version of the Possession Value Model, similar to On-Ball Value (OBV).
It measures the value that each on-ball action added to the team.
Here is La Liga CBs' MGContribution from passes in the 2025/26 season.
It measures the value that each on-ball action added to the team.
Here is La Liga CBs' MGContribution from passes in the 2025/26 season.
September 8, 2025 at 4:31 PM
MyGamePlan launched the MGContribution metric, a version of the Possession Value Model, similar to On-Ball Value (OBV).
It measures the value that each on-ball action added to the team.
Here is La Liga CBs' MGContribution from passes in the 2025/26 season.
It measures the value that each on-ball action added to the team.
Here is La Liga CBs' MGContribution from passes in the 2025/26 season.
The game against Mallorca was totally different from Osasuna and Real Oviedo. Jagoba Arrasate plateformed Mallorca in a way to exploit Real Madrid's high press.
No preseason and not enough time to train the team for Xabi Alonso, and yet he has to deliver results.
Thread ⚪
No preseason and not enough time to train the team for Xabi Alonso, and yet he has to deliver results.
Thread ⚪
September 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
The game against Mallorca was totally different from Osasuna and Real Oviedo. Jagoba Arrasate plateformed Mallorca in a way to exploit Real Madrid's high press.
No preseason and not enough time to train the team for Xabi Alonso, and yet he has to deliver results.
Thread ⚪
No preseason and not enough time to train the team for Xabi Alonso, and yet he has to deliver results.
Thread ⚪
I set a tracker to count La Liga's teams' pressure actions following a possession loss in their opponent's final third.
Real Madrid led the table with 1.82 pressure actions per 90 minutes after three games.
Now, it's a question of consistency for Xabi Alonso's men.
Real Madrid led the table with 1.82 pressure actions per 90 minutes after three games.
Now, it's a question of consistency for Xabi Alonso's men.
September 3, 2025 at 8:30 PM
I set a tracker to count La Liga's teams' pressure actions following a possession loss in their opponent's final third.
Real Madrid led the table with 1.82 pressure actions per 90 minutes after three games.
Now, it's a question of consistency for Xabi Alonso's men.
Real Madrid led the table with 1.82 pressure actions per 90 minutes after three games.
Now, it's a question of consistency for Xabi Alonso's men.
This was one of the times that Arsenal has been able to bypass Liverpool's first line of pressure, relying on Zubimendi to create separation, drop to receive, & bounce the pass off to Calafiori.
It was a very tight half with Arsenal being versatile in building up from the back.
It was a very tight half with Arsenal being versatile in building up from the back.
August 31, 2025 at 4:34 PM
This was one of the times that Arsenal has been able to bypass Liverpool's first line of pressure, relying on Zubimendi to create separation, drop to receive, & bounce the pass off to Calafiori.
It was a very tight half with Arsenal being versatile in building up from the back.
It was a very tight half with Arsenal being versatile in building up from the back.
Some of Arsenal's shapes when they press Liverpool high up the pitch.
I think they went m2m only when Gravenberch didn't step back between Konaté & Van Dijk.
Mainly, Liverpool found wide avenues to work the ball out.
I think they went m2m only when Gravenberch didn't step back between Konaté & Van Dijk.
Mainly, Liverpool found wide avenues to work the ball out.
August 31, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Some of Arsenal's shapes when they press Liverpool high up the pitch.
I think they went m2m only when Gravenberch didn't step back between Konaté & Van Dijk.
Mainly, Liverpool found wide avenues to work the ball out.
I think they went m2m only when Gravenberch didn't step back between Konaté & Van Dijk.
Mainly, Liverpool found wide avenues to work the ball out.
I think the challenge for Xabi Alonso is to keep the team press with intensity when Real Madrid decide to press high up the pitch.
The challenge is to instill INTENSITY as a part of the culture, something natural.
The Real Challenge will be vs the mammoths in La Liga & UCL.
The challenge is to instill INTENSITY as a part of the culture, something natural.
The Real Challenge will be vs the mammoths in La Liga & UCL.
August 29, 2025 at 1:41 PM
I think the challenge for Xabi Alonso is to keep the team press with intensity when Real Madrid decide to press high up the pitch.
The challenge is to instill INTENSITY as a part of the culture, something natural.
The Real Challenge will be vs the mammoths in La Liga & UCL.
The challenge is to instill INTENSITY as a part of the culture, something natural.
The Real Challenge will be vs the mammoths in La Liga & UCL.
I think Real Oviedo's kick-off routine vs Real Madrid has gone under the radar because it didn't result in a goal.
Real Madrid didn't drop back, nor did they instantly jump on to apply pressure.
Real Madrid didn't drop back, nor did they instantly jump on to apply pressure.
August 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I think Real Oviedo's kick-off routine vs Real Madrid has gone under the radar because it didn't result in a goal.
Real Madrid didn't drop back, nor did they instantly jump on to apply pressure.
Real Madrid didn't drop back, nor did they instantly jump on to apply pressure.