How Vizela boasted the sixth-best defence in Liga Portugal with the lowest payroll in the division and two different coaches – scout report

In their third campaign at the top tier of the Portuguese football league, FC Vizela earned 40 points in 34 games, a result which placed them in 11th place. The Vizelenses were promoted two years ago by a club legend Álvaro Pacheco who, after two consecutive promotions, brought them from the third tier to the first division of Portuguese football.

However, in a less successful start, Álvaro was fired and Manuel Tulipa, who was in charge of the U23 team, took his place in the Vizela seniors and completed the 2022/23 season. Yet, the Portuguese decided not to continue with this side next season, and Spanish manager Pablo Villar was appointed.

According to Transfermarkt, Vizelas squad value in the 2022/23 season ranked in the 15th place compared with the other top-flight teams. Besides that, after checking Capology.com, it was also possible to conclude that Vizela had the worst payroll in the first league, and in that way, an 11th position in the first tier of Portuguese football is an excellent result. 

Yet, this collective was capable of accomplishing a special feature: achieving the sixth-best defence in the league, with only 38 goals conceded.

In this tactical analysis, well take a look at Vizelas out-of-possession tactics and try to unveil what were the main reasons for their surprising defensive resilience.

Formation and statistical analysis

Vizela, in possession, aligns predominantly in a 4-2-3-1. However, during their build-up, there is mobility between the midfielders and often Raphael Guzzo and Samu explore more advanced spaces on the pitch, forming the classic 4-3-3. In addition, the wingers are usually positioned inside between the lines, providing the width on the flanks to the fullbacks who typically are involved in the offensive process.

Because their out-of-possession tactics are sometimes dependent on the oppositions strategy, Vizelas defensive formation had slight changes during the season. For instance, the majority of the league teams play in a two-centre-back system, leading Vizela to position in a 4-4-2, which can be turned into a 4-2-4 when the wingers uprise and press the fullbacks. Besides that, if the other team is organised and are playing in their half, the offensive midfielder can descend on the pitch forming a 4-2-3-1.

However, Tulipa made some