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

The attack-minded and creative football had its time to shine on Tuesday evening with the UEFA Champions League meeting between Atalanta and Ajax. Two similar yet completely different sides that have been among the most entertaining teams to watch in the last couple of years.

With tactically intelligent coaches and players with strong technique, both teams have reached cohesive performances that promise dynamic and explosiveness.

Atalanta started the game with confidence after their 4-0 win over Midtjylland but also with an awareness of the similarities in their vision. Ajax were unlucky to go 0-1 down to Liverpool in their first game and were extremely motivated to compensate against La Dea.

Both teams’ attacking approach was evident from the first whistle and although Atalanta seemed more determined and organised throughout the game, the 2-2 final result wraps it up well.

This tactical analysis examines the tactics Atalanta and Ajax used in the second round of the CL Group stage and explains how the Serie A side managed to get back into the game.

Line-ups

Both coaches relied on their favoured formations. Gian Piero Gasperini opted for 3-4-1-2 and used his optimal starting XI. In Pierluigi Gollini’s absence, Marco Sportiello covered the goal, supported by a three-man defensive line of Berat Djimsiti, Cristian Romero and Rafael Tolói. The midfield line consisted of Robin Gosens, Remo Freuler, Mario Pašalić and Hans Hateboer while Papu Gómez played behind the front duo of Duván Zapata and Josip Iličić. This formation of course transformed many times throughout the game. Typically for Atalanta, there was a lot of movement and positional changes which allowed them to increase their efficiency.

Erik ten Hag set Ajax up in 4-2-3-1 with André Onana between the posts. The backline included Nicolás Tagliagico, Daley Blind, Perr Schuurs and Noussair Mazraoui. Ryan Gravenberch and Davy Klaassen formed the double pivot in midfield, while there were four players focused on the attacking actions. Antony and David Neres covered the wings while Dušan Tadić played behind Lassina Traoré. Ajax tried overloading the flanks and using off the ball runs to expose the opposition too which made the game very dynamic and full of chances.