UEFA Champions League 2020/21: FC Midtjylland v Atalanta – tactical analysis

UEFA Champions League debutants FC Midtjylland have now played their very first game in this illustrious competition since the club’s inception 21-years ago. An unwanted 0-4 loss to Serie A goal machine, Atalanta, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men were just too strong for Brian Priske’s young side.

Four goals with no reply from the Nerazzurri, three in the first half and one late in the second half sent the visitors away with a convincing three points. Duván Zapata finished low on 26 minutes, finding an uncontested angle in the box to score from a poorly defended set-piece by Midtjylland.

Ten minutes later Alejandro Gómez’s wonder strike that hit the top left corner from outside the box, giving the visitors a 0-2 lead before Luis Muriel tapped in a loose ball from a cross inside the six-yard box to make it 0-3 at the break. In the dying embers of the match, another spectacular finish into the top corner from substitute Aleksey Miranchuk made certain that Midtjylland would only have lessons instead of points to take away from their first Champions League outing.

The tactical analysis asses the tactics and major talking points that decided this tie. Our analysis looks at the most prominent aspects of both teams style of play coupled with the support of key data to give us a comprehensive understanding of this game.

Lineups

FC Midtjylland: 4-2-3-1
Priske’s side showed a good balance between attack and defence, as the double pivot were vital in denying the opposition numerical superiority through the centre. Sweedish youngster Jen-Lys Cajuste was superb in the middle, showing outstanding courage and creativity to drive at defenders and make something happen in front of the goal for his team. Priske used all five subs in the second half; however, the collective changes were unable to make a difference by way of threatening the goal.

Atalanta: 3-4-1-2
Gasperini side showcased their signature style, a style that has caught the attention of many the Nerazzurri return to winning ways after a loss in their last Serie A outing. Playing a high risk-high-reward football that commits all ten outfielders to the final third, the Italian goal machine showed no caution or fear going forward. Gasperini also used all five subs in the second half, replacing players across all units.