UEFA Champions League 2019/20: Sarajevo vs Celtic – tactical analysis

Qualifying for the Champions League is almost as good as winning a trophy as far as Im concerned.  Neil Lennon

Typically candid words from the Celtic boss were left ringing in his players ears as they were greeted by a raucous Bosnian crowd on Tuesday night. In the way of their next Champions League campaign stood FC Sarajevo, a tricky side who have seen a recent upturn in fortunes under Husref Musemić. Last season the Bordo-bijeli won their first domestic title in four years. 

Despite the teams have never met in a competitive fixture, Musemić was familiar with the Scottish giants, playing for Hearts back in the late 80s. A healthy respect and tactics to frustrate the treble winners were served to give Celtic an uncomfortable night. It nearly worked as the Hoops stuttered in the opening stages of the game, eventually grappling control of the tie by coming from behind to win 3-1 on the night. This tactical analysis looks at how Sarajevo frustrated Celtic in the opening phases and the tactics used by the Scottish champions to take a lead into the second leg.

Lineups 

Celtic started the game in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system they used 45% of the time last season. New signing Boli Bolingoli started as an attacking left-back over the injured Kieran Tierney. Scott Brown and Callum McGregor acted as the double pivots in midfield, marshalling the ball through possessional rotations. Top scorer Odsonne Édouard started as the lone striker, with Ryan Christie offering support from the number 10 position.

Sarajevo started the game in a rigid 4-1-4-1 formation. Mirko Oremuš, deployed as the holding midfielder, stayed between the lines and disrupted Celtics attacking rhythm. The extra man in midfield also added protection to the back four by congesting the central zones and blocking passing lanes into the narrowly positioned Celtic forwards. Mersudin Ahmetovic who scored 20.6% of his sides goals last season started upfront.    

Stubborn Sarajevo

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