UEFA Champions League 2020/21: Ajax vs Atalanta – tactical analysis

In the final round of the group stage matches, Dutch champions Ajax took on an inspired Atalanta outfit for a place in the next stage of the UEFA Champions League. Sitting above Ajax by a point, Atalanta only needed a draw to ensure progression whilst the Dutch side needed to walk away with three points to move forward.

Needing to clinch a win, Ajax’s hand will be forced as they push numbers forward to try and put themselves in the driving seat early on. This presents the Serie A side with opportunities to capitalise on the lack of opposition numbers behind the ball and the subsequent spaces that emerge. Therefore, Ajax will need to be mindful of their defensive balance and reorganisation during transitional moments.

With this match set up as a must-watch game, this tactical analysis will break down the tactics used by both teams as they fight for progression into the next round. This analysis will also look at the key moments of the match and the way in which both team’s sought to capitalise on periods of momentum.

 Lineups

Erik ten Hag lined his men into a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation as they had used previously with Atalanta. Ajax’s first-choice goalkeeper, André Onana, started in goal. Protecting him was a back four of Nicolás Tagliafico , Perr Schuurs, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui. Davy Klaassen and Ryan Gravencerch positioned themselves as the two holding midfielders who aimed to provide service to the front men between lines. Dušan Tadić , Zakaria Labyad and Antony made the attacking line of three who supported striker, Brian Brobbey.

Also, with no surprises, Gian Piero Gasperini opted for his favoured 3-4-1-2 formation starting with Pierluigi Gollini in between the posts. In front of him was a three-man backline of Christian Romero, Rafael Tolói and Albanian centre-back Berat Djimsiti. Robin Gosens and Hans Hateboer provided the teams width in attack, whilst Remo Freuler, Marten de Roon, and Matteo Pessina held their central midfield positions. With no Josip Illičić, Argentine striker, Alejandro Gómez came in to partner with Duván Zapata up front.