UEFA Champions League 2019/20: Lille vs Valencia – tactical analysis

Lille faced Valencia in the third matchday of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. Both teams seemed to be in a similar form as of late with both failing to keep their consistency in their respective leagues.

The hosts came into the match following a poor showing at Toulouse, resulting in a disappointing 2-1 loss in Ligue 1. This put them down to seventh place in the Ligue 1 table. Valencia, meanwhile, managed to give a strong performance away against Atletico Madrid as they managed to hold the hosts to a 1-1 draw. However, despite their impressive showing, they were unable to get the full three points from the solid side of Diego Simeone.

Despite the fairly low confidence in the Lille side currently, as they havent been able to win any of their last four matches before the game, Lille had to quickly pick themselves up as their season is still really far from finished. It can get better or worse from here. The same also goes for Valencia as they seemed to be unable to keep a consistent showing since the start of the season.

In this tactical analysis, well take a closer look at the tactics set up by both sides for this UEFA Champions League clash.

Lineups

Christophe Galtier deployed his side in a rather unusual system of 3-4-3 despite usually rotating only around 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2. The French manager might be looking to bring some elements of surprise by going with this unfamiliar setup. Tiago Djaló came back into the starting lineup having regained full fitness. Zeki Çelik also came back into the starting XI, replacing Jérémy Pied.

Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Benjamin André replaced deep-lying playmaker Xeka who had an abysmal performance against Toulouse the last time out. The former Rennes man partnered up with wonder kid Boubakary Soumaré in the middle of the field.

Luiz Araújo and V