Uruguay Vs Colombia Tactical Analysis: Marcelo Bielsa Revenge Tactics In Copa América Rematch

Uruguay and Colombia’s form had dipped over recent months. 

Neither side has consistently performed well since they faced each other in the Copa América semi-final. 

Uruguay had failed to win any of their last four fixtures.

Colombia had won two of their previous four matches. 

However, a loss against 10-man Bolivia and a draw against Peru meant they’d yet to find their best form since reaching the Copa América final. 

Uruguay sat in fourth place, three points behind Colombia who were second in the World Cup Qualification table. 

Not only was a win vital for both sides to push themselves closer to World Cup qualification, but after the hostile scenes amongst both sets of players and supporters in the Copa América semi-final, both teams would be keen to get one over on each other. 

The match saw two dramatic late goals.

Colombia thought they had equalised to share the points. 

Yet just minutes later, in the 11th minute of stoppage time, Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte scored the winner to send Uruguay above La Sele. 

Despite there being an extraordinary finish to the game, it was a match where Uruguay outplayed La Tricolor. 

Marcelo Bielsa’s men found the solutions that helped them overcome Colombia’s narrow setup. 

This tactical analysis will look to dissect these solutions and highlight Colombia’s weaknesses. 

Uruguay Vs Colombia Lineups 

Uruguay Formation

Bielsa’s side set up in their traditional 4-2-3-1 formation.

Sergio Rochet started as keeper. 

The back four consisted of Nahitan Nández, José María Giménez, Mathías Olivera and Marcelo Saracchi.

Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde was placed in midfield beside Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur.  

Facundo Pellestri, Rodrigo Aguirre, and Maximiliano Araújo were the attacking support to Liverpool’s centre forward Darwin Núñez. 

Colombia Formation

Colombia decided to take up a far more narrow formation, lining up in a 4-3-1-2. 

Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas was partnered with a back four of Johan Mojica, Jhon Lucumí, Davinson Sánchez and Daniel Muñoz. 

At the point of the diamond, a midfield four consisted of Jhon Arias, Juan Portilla, Richard Ríos, and Juan Fernando Quintero. 

Premier League duo Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán led the attack as Colombia’s two centre-forwards. 

Uruguay Vs Colombia Build Up 

Both sides insisted on playing through the thirds and used different methods to overcome their opponents pressing traps. 

Colombia were relatively successful when playing out from the back. 

Uruguay aimed to force play away from the middle of the pitch, where Colombia normally had a numerical advantage. 

When Uruguay pressed intensely, this worked a treat. 

In this situation, we see Núñez forcing the opposition’s centre-back outside and his supporting teammates. 

This leaves the player on the ball with limited options. 

When Uruguay had forced their opponents into these situations they would either crowd them