Champions League 2020/21: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Internazionale – Tactical Analysis

Matchday two of the Champions League group stage saw  Inter travel to Shakhtar Donetsk, looking to improve on their opening draw at home to Borussia Monchengladbach. Meanwhile, Shakhtar were in high spirits after picking up an impressive 3-2 victory away at Champions League royalty, Real Madrid. Despite the goal-filled games both sides were involved in during matchday one, this encounter resulted in a goalless draw – a result that would disappoint Serie A Inter more considering their dominance throughout the game. This tactical analysis will provide some insight into the tactics deployed by both sides: how Inter controlled a large portion of the game thanks to players like Arturo Vidal, and how Shakhtar combatted the attacks.

Line-ups

Home side Shakhtar deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation in an attempt to pack out the central area to limit Inter’s options going forward. Maycon acted as the anchorman of the engine room, and did a stellar job, making three recoveries as well as winning all five of the defensive duels he was involved in. In front of him were Marlos and Marcos Antonio, with Tete and Manor Solomon occupying the wide areas. Dentinho initially lead the line, but his night was cut short after just 15 minutes – Taison replaced him. The back four consisted of Dodo and Viktor Kornienko as full-backs, and Valeriy Bondar partnered alongside Davit Khockolava.

Inter set out to dominate the game, trying to stretch the home side using a 3-5-2 formation. Stefan de Vrij commanded the Inter back three, with Ashley Young and Achraf Hakimi operating as wing-backs. In the middle, the Italians went with a physical trio of Arturo Vidal, Nicolo Barella, and Marcelo Brozovic. Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez lead the line.