Belgian Pro League 2020/21 – Waasland-Beveren vs Antwerp – tactical analysis

Waasland-Beveren hosted Royal Antwerp in the final game before Christmas in the Belgian Pro League. Both sides needed the points for different reasons, with the hosts looking to try and pull clear of the relegation dogfight that has begun to emerge over the past couple of weeks. Antwerp, on the other hand, were looking to get their season back on track after a run of disappointing results. In the end, it was the away side who emerged victorious, winning 3-0.

This tactical analysis will look at how the pressing tactics of Antwerp caused problems for Beveren, and even led to the third goal. Secondly, this analysis will look at the importance of Mbokani to Antwerp’s transition game, before looking at the impressive data for the back three of the away side.

Lineups

Beveren coach Nicky Hayen went with a 3-4-1-2 formation, with number one Nordin Jackers continuing in goal. The back three was made up of Alexis Gamboa, Brendan Schoonbaert and Dries Wuytens. Alessandro Albanese and Andreas Weigel were there to provide width, while Georges Mandjeck and Leonardo Bertone were the central midfield partnership. Danel Sinani was playing just behind Aboubakary Koita and Michel Frey.

Ivan Leko’s Antwerp were in their usual 3-4-3 formation, with Jean Butez in goal. Former Manchester United player Ritchie De Laet lined up alongside Jeremy Gelin and Abdoulaye Seck in the back three. Faris Haroun partnered Peter Gerkens in central midfield, with Jeremy Buta and Jordan Lukaku providing the width. Former Bundesliga player with Fortuna Düsseldorf, Nana Ampomah, joined Diermerci Mbokani and Lior Refaelov in the front three.