UEFA Europa League: How Real Sociedad struggled to break down AS Monaco’s deep defensive block – tactical analysis

Real Sociedad and Monaco played out a very edgy affair this past Thursday at the Reale Arena in a game that ended 1-1 in the UEFA Europa League group stages.

This was arguably the most-anticipated fixture from the second gameweek featuring two of the competition’s biggest teams.

Following a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven in the opening game of the Europa League group phase, Imanol Alguacil was hoping that his side could pick up all three points, but La Real found themselves 1-0 down early in the first half through an Axel Disasi header from a corner.

However, within the opening ten minutes of the first half, the former Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino equalised yet another corner goal. Niko Kovac’s Monaco frustrated the home side and manager to hold on for a point despite having just 37.04 percent of the ball and just 6 shots throughout the entire game.

The game was certainly not a classic but the quality on display from the players was sumptuous at times. It was also a very tactical battle between two high-profile coaches in their own regard.

This article will be a tactical analysis of the game between the two teams. It will be an analysis of the most effective tactics used by both managers throughout the match.

Lineups and formations

As the fans have become accustomed to under Alguacil, La Real set up in a 4-3-3 as their base formation, although this is fluid in possession, and while out of possession it can switch to a 4-4-2 with ease.

Álex Remiro started in goal for Thursday’s match against Monaco and was protected by a back four consisting of Aihen Muñoz at left-back, Joseba Zaldúa at right fullback with Igor Zubeldia partnering alongside Aritz Elustondo at centre-back.