Despite Arsenal's 1-0 win over Sporting in Lisbon, the Portuguese side still has a chance to turn the tables in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Coach Pepa assesses the key tactical aspects of the first match and explains why Rui Borges' team could cause an upset. The first match was a closely contested game between two excellent teams, with few clear scoring opportunities but interesting tactical and technical aspects.
Arsenal, the Premier League leaders, demonstrated their ability to maintain structural compactness in a 4-4-2 shape and effectively closed central spaces. Their recognition of pressing triggers often resulted in near man-oriented pressing behaviors, with physically strong players allowing them to recover the ball high up the pitch. Arsenal recorded 19 defensive actions in the opponent's half, while Sporting had seven.
In possession, Arsenal struggled to create clear danger despite having slightly more possession. Their key behaviors included the fluid role of Riccardo Calafiori, who started as a left-back but moved into central areas and finishing zones. The quality of the three midfielders - Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Odegaard - and their ability to escape pressure to receive and connect play were also important aspects.
Sporting delivered a very positive performance, considering the quality of the opponent. The team's experiences in the Champions League, facing top opponents like Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, allowed them to approach these types of matches with greater confidence and maturity. From a defensive standpoint, Sporting presented a dynamic structure, alternating between a 4-4-2 mid-block and a 5-4-1 in a lower block. This behavior, combined with strong character and a tremendous competitive spirit, allowed them to neutralize the opponent's intentions, except for the goal conceded.
In possession, Sporting faced difficulties in their build-up, mainly due to Arsenal's strong pressure. However, they managed to create problems mainly through the wide areas, with Maxi on the left and Geny Catamo on the right.
To remain true to themselves, Sporting must impose their strengths and be more focused, consistent, and effective than in the first match. The return of injured players, such as Morten Hjulmand, and the importance of set-pieces could be decisive in the match.