The quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey drew Espanyol and Betis with each other. The first leg at Estadi Cornella-El Prat proved to be a very interesting encounter which ended in a 1-1 draw, giving Betis a slight advantage going into next weeks second leg.
In this tactical analysis we will look at two tactical trends supported by statistics. First we will have a look at how Espanyols formation played into their game plan of playing high through-balls and following through. Secondly we will focus how Betis formation had the intention of a dominant style of play, but were rewarded only late in the game with a counter-attacking style of football.
Teams
Espanyols 4-3-3 with high through balls
La Ligas seventh and 13th placed teams battled it out for a decent position for the second leg. It was quite interesting how both teams set up their formation in this game. Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilias outfit started in a rather conservative 4-3-3 formation which didnt change throughout this Copa del Rey match.
While on paper it seemed like a 4-3-3,
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