Coming into this game, Atlético Madrid had not scored from open play at home for over a month and were without a win in four consecutive home games. Athletic Club posed a difficult opponent, despite their poor run of recent form, but it was the home team that ran out convincing winners in the end.
Angel Correa came into the side and produced some fine footwork to set up Saúl Ñíguez to score his first goal of the season, then doing so again in the second half only to set up his strike partner Álvaro Morata to double Atléticos lead.
This tactical analysis will consider the tactics of both sides in this La Liga fixture. Diego Simeones side came out on top, far surpassing Gaizka Garitanos outfit as this analysis will explain.
Line-ups
Simeone was forced into changes following injuries to the likes of João Félix and José María Gimenez, with the major change being in defence where a backline of Kieran Trippier, Felipe, Mario Hermoso and Renan Lodi lined up together for the first time. In attack, Diego Costa was rested with Angel Correa coming into the side.
Garitano recalled Unai Núñez in central defence whilst Yuri Berchiche returned from injury in the only two changes for Athletic as they looked to stick with the spine of a side which has failed to pick up results of late.
![Napoli Vs Chelsea [2–3] – Champions League 2025/2026: How Game Management Cost Antonio Conte – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Napoli-Vs-Chelsea-20252026-350x250.png "Napoli Vs Chelsea [2–3] – Champions League 2025/2026: How Game Management Cost Antonio Conte – Tactical Analysis 3")
