UEFA Champions League 2020/21: Sevilla vs Rennes – tactical analysis

Sevilla hosted Rennes at an empty Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Though the stands lacked screaming fans, Sevilla made plenty of noise on the pitch.

Clattering the woodwork twice and a few brilliant saves from Alfred Gomis kept the scoreline respectable in a one-sided affair.

Highlighting the key disparities between the two clubs, this tactical analysis will show how Sevilla’s high press set the tone led to Rennes’ struggles to respond. With the hosts enjoying 67% of possession, this analysis shows how Sevilla made use of long, diagonal passes to unlock the Rennes press.

Lineups

Julen Lopetegui used a 4-3-3 in this match, starting Bono in goal. At the back, the ageless Jesús Navas started on the right, French wunderkind Jules Koundé paired with Diego Carlos in the middle and former Sporting Portugal player, Marcos Acuña, patrolled the left. In midfield, Fernando played at the bottom of the triangle with Joan Jordán and Óliver Torres ahead of him. Rounding out the formation, Lucas Ocampos, Luuk de Jong and Munir El Haddadi started from right to left along the forward line.

Julien Stéphan’s 4-1-4-1 saw him start the Senegalese international, Gomis, in goal and was rewarded with a brilliant performance. Brandon Soppy, captain Damien Da Silva, Daniele Rugani and Hamari Traoré. Jonas Martin played the pivot with Benjamin Bourigeaud and Clément Grenier in front of him. Jérémy Doku and Martin Terrier ran the wings while Serhou Guirassy received the start up top. Steven N’Zonzi (suspension) and Eduardo Camavinga (injury) were missing from the midfield, then Stéphan was forced to account for another injury as Nayef Aguerd replaced Rugani in the 17^th minute.