UEFA Champions League 2019/20: Lille vs Chelsea – Tactical Analysis

Entering the second matchday of the group stage, the Champions League has brought us many interesting results on Tuesday evening. It continued the trend as the likes of Barcelona, RB Leipzig and Ajax were all matched up against tough opponents. Chelsea weren’t an exception either as they travelled to France to face Lille, who finished second in Ligue 1 last season.

Domestically, the visitors have had a decent start to the Premier League season with eleven points after seven matches. Under Frank Lampard, they have demonstrated an attractive style of play but also put an emphasis on defensive solidity. Meanwhile, in his second season with the club, Christophe Galtier led Lille to a Champions League group stage spot with a high-tempo style of play. He continued to employ the strategy and principles that helped Les Dogues secured that achievement amid the significant departures from the club.

This tactical analysis will provide an analysis of Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Lille OSC. Meanwhile, using statistics, we will point out the standout tactical points in both teams’ tactics while analysing what Galtier could have done to secure a more positive result at home.

Lineups

For their match against Chelsea, Galtier opted to go for a 4-4-2 formation that saw Mike Maignan started in goal. American prospect Timothy Weah remained the only injury as he missed out through a hamstring tear. On the other hand, a player that would be familiar to Chelsea fans in Loïc Rémy appeared on the bench after an impressive performance against Strasbourg.

The Portuguese duo Renato Sanches and José Fonte also spent time in the Premier League for Swansea City and Southampton respectively. While the latter started at the heart of Lille’s defence and also captained the side, the former was registered on the bench. Up front, new signing Victor Osimhen hoped to continue his impressive goal-scoring streak alongside Jonathan Bamba.

Meanwhile, Lampard once again converted his side to a 3-4-2-1 formation. Andreas Christensen was deemed fit for the match as he appeared on the bench. Meanwhile, Kurt Zouma was chosen to fill in the Danish defender’s spot and he completed the back-three that consisted of Fikayo Tomori and César Azpilicueta.

After a strong debut against Grimsby Town in the League Cup, Reece James was once again chosen by Lampard to play as a right wing-back in this match. Jorginho and N’Golo Kanté remained Chelsea’s key central midfielders while Mateo Kovačić was rested when they welcomed Brighton & Hove Albion and he continued to be registered among the substitutes.

Lilles style of play

The fact that both Lille and Chelsea were rated as high as each other allowed the French side to approach this game with a confident attitude. They clearly showed their intention of securing a positive result by employing the strategy that contributed to a magnificent season in Ligue 1.

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