Despite Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Sporting in Lisbon, the Portuguese team still has a chance to turn the tables in their Champions League quarter-final. Portuguese coach Pepa analyzes the first match, highlighting key tactical aspects and explaining why Sporting could cause an upset in the second leg.
Pepa notes that the match between Sporting and Arsenal was a game between two excellent teams, with very interesting tactical and technical aspects. He praises Arsenal's ability to maintain structural compactness in a 4-4-2 shape and their effective pressing triggers, which often result in near man-oriented pressing behaviors. However, Pepa also points out that Arsenal struggled to create clear danger despite having slightly more possession. He highlights the importance of Riccardo Calafiori's fluid role, the quality of Arsenal's midfielders, and Noni Madueke's one-on-one ability.
Regarding Sporting, Pepa believes that the team delivered a very positive performance, considering the quality of the opponent. He praises Sporting's dynamic structure, which alternated between a 4-4-2 mid-block and a 5-4-1 in a lower block, and notes that this behavior is already well assimilated by the team. Pepa also highlights the performances of Ousmane Diomande and Maxi Araujo in Sporting's defensive sector, while noting that Maxi needs to be more cautious in the number of fouls committed.
In possession, Sporting faced difficulties in their build-up, but managed to create problems mainly through the wide areas. Pepa believes that Sporting will have to remain true to themselves, imposing their strengths and being even more focused, consistent, and effective than in the first match. The recovery of injured players, such as Morten Hjulmand, and the importance of set-pieces could be decisive factors in the match. With Sporting being the fourth best team in Europe in attacking corners, this could be a crucial aspect of the game.