Despite Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Sporting in Lisbon, the Portuguese side still has a chance to turn the tables in their Champions League quarter-final tie. Here, Pepa, a seasoned coach, analyzes the key tactical aspects of the first match and explains why Rui Borges' team could yet cause a surprise in the second leg.
The encounter between Sporting and Arsenal was a closely contested affair, with both teams showcasing their technical and tactical prowess. Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League and boasting an impressive Champions League campaign, demonstrated their ability to maintain a compact 4-4-2 shape without the ball and effectively close down central spaces. Their pressing triggers often led to near man-oriented pressing behaviors, allowing them to win the ball back high up the pitch.
This was evident in the 19 defensive actions they recorded in the opponent's half, compared to Sporting's seven. In possession, Arsenal struggled to create clear scoring opportunities despite having slightly more possession. The fluid role of Riccardo Calafiori, who started as a left-back but often moved into central areas and even into finishing zones, was a notable aspect of their play. The quality of their midfield trio - Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Odegaard - and their ability to escape pressure to receive and connect play were also crucial.
Sporting, on the other hand, delivered a commendable performance considering the caliber of their opponent. Their experiences in the Champions League this season, facing top teams like Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, have allowed them to approach such matches with greater confidence and maturity. From a defensive standpoint, Sporting employed a dynamic structure, alternating between a 4-4-2 mid-block and a 5-4-1 lower block. This behavior has been well assimilated by the team and, combined with their strong character and competitive spirit, enabled them to neutralize Arsenal's intentions, except for the goal conceded.
The performances of Ousmane Diomande and Maxi Araujo in Sporting's defensive sector were noteworthy, although Maxi needs to be more cautious with the number of fouls he commits, particularly in sensitive areas. He committed seven fouls in the first leg.
In possession, Sporting faced difficulties in their build-up due to Arsenal's intense pressure. However, they managed to create problems for the opponent mainly through the wide areas, with Maxi on the left and Geny Catamo on the right. To succeed in the second leg, Sporting must remain true to themselves, imposing their strengths and being more focused, consistent, and effective than in the first match.
They will need to overcome the challenges of playing away from home and dealing with a negative first result. The return of injured players, such as Morten Hjulmand, and the importance of set-pieces could be decisive factors in the match.