The Collective Shield: The organised high pressing tactics behind Penarol’s successful start to 2024 – scout report

After returning to Peñarol in late 2023 to begin his fourth stint in charge of the club, Diego Aguirre has largely enjoyed a positive run to date, which is certainly evident from their positioning on the Uruguayan Primera División Apertura table for 2024.

Currently 11 games into the campaign, Aguirre’s side sit top with nine wins, two draws and zero defeats in the league this year; their attack has undoubtedly played a significant role in that, with Peñarol scoring the second-most goals of any side in Uruguay’s top-flight (24) so far this term.

However, the focus of our tactical analysis and team-focused scout report will look at what Aguirre has his team doing out of possession. We’re going to provide some in-depth analysis of Peñarol’s defensive tactics, which have led them to concede just six goals — by far the fewest in the Primera División so far this term — whilst allowing the opposition to generate just 7.96 expected goals against them (xGA) — also the lowest in Uruguay’s top-flight.

So, what are Manyas Aurinegros doing so well without the ball? Let’s dive into their tactics and see.

Forwards pressing in the high block

This tactical analysis piece is going to be divided into three sections, the first of which focuses on how Peñarol’s forwards perform out-of-possession.

Aguirre’s side currently has the third-lowest PPDA (7.76) in the Uruguayan Primera División for the 2024 Apertura season, indicating quite a high pressing intensity relative to the other teams in their division.

They’ve been able to force plenty of turnovers in dangerous areas, resulting in some inviting goalscoring opportunities for the Montevideo-based club and making their high press one of their most potent weapons in terms of chance creation.

The forwards in their 4-4-2 or 4-1-3-2 shape have, of course, played a significant part in their high press with the energy and defensive effort they bring to the table.