Primeira Liga 2018/19 Tactical Analysis: FC Porto vs Sporting CP

On the last match-day of Portugals first division, Porto awaited Sporting CP. The home side and second-placed still had a small chance of winning the title but needed a win to stay close to leaders Benfica.

Although Sporting were down to ten men after 19 minutes, Porto struggled to create chances from open play. Sportings dense block prevented Porto from getting near their goal and, on occasion, the away side even threatened the opposition goal from counter-attacks. Nevertheless, an improved attacking phase led to two goals and the win for Sérgio Conceiçãos side.

The following tactical analysis will reveal why Porto struggled against a ten man side. Moreover, we are going to explain how they still turned the game around.

Lineups and formations

Porto started into the match with a 4-1-4-1 formation. Héctor Herrera joined the central midfield again after his ban. Single pivot Danilo Pereira stayed between the two lines of four during the defensive phase and dropped between the centre-backs in possession. Furthermore, full-backs Alex Telles and future Real Madrid player Éder Militão were supposed to move up the line to support the attacking department on the wings.

Sporting CP, on the other hand, deployed a 4-2-3-1 system which turned into a 4-4-2 during the defensive phase. Top player Bruno Fernandes took over the role of the playmaker in the Sporting squad. But due to an early dismissal for right winger Jesús Manuel Corona, Sporting coach Marcel Keizer was forced to change the formation of his side to a 4-4-1.

Initial phase of the game

Porto already started the match with the intention to dominate the opposition in possession. In possession, they used a back three formation. Both full-backs pushed high up the pitch on either side. Meanwhile, defensive midfielder Pereira dropped between the central defenders to form the back three. Wide attacker Moussa Marega meanwhile tucked inside to act as another striker.

In contrast to