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On April 12, Beijing time, the first leg of the Europa League 1/4 finals officially ended, Liverpool lost 0-3 to Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 West Ham United, Benfica 2-1 Marseille, AC Milan 0-1 Roma!
Liverpool lost 3-0 to Atalanta: Why did they lose at home?
Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Atalanta at Anfield was not just a defeat in one game, but more like a full-blown tactical rout. Looking at the statistics of the game, although the Reds had 64% possession, they only had three shots on target in the whole game, showing a clear problem of inefficiency in attack. Atalanta, for their part, used their quick and direct counter-attacking tactics, with five of their nine shots on target and successfully converting them into three.
What is the root of the problem?First of all, Liverpool's backline is unusually vulnerable, especially when the opposition is attacking quickly. Atalanta's first goal was to capitalise on the gap left by the Liverpool full-backs pushing too high. In addition, the Reds' midfield was clearly lacking in control, failing to effectively cut off the opposition's passing lanes and provide adequate support to the front.
Liverpool fans must ask the key question at this point: Is it time for coach Jurgen Klopp to adjust his tactics, and should he adopt a more conservative defensive strategy against a speedy side to prevent being penetrated by quick counter-attacks?
Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 West Ham
In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen showed their tenacity and determination at home to West Ham United. Throughout the game, Bayer Leverkusen managed a staggering 71 per cent possession and 16 attempts at goal with their consistent high-pressure strategy. However, it wasn't until the end of the game that substitute Hofmann broke the deadlock with a brilliant volley, before Boniface sealed the win with a stoppage-time header.
Bayer Leverkusen's victory proved that football is a 90-minute contest and that consistent attacking and tactical discipline are the keys to victory. In addition, coach Alonso's timely adjustments, especially in the rotation of personnel, fully demonstrated his ability to grasp the pace of the game.
Benfica 2-1 Marseille
On a glorious night in Lisbon, Benfica won 2-1 against Marseille in the Europa League. Benfica's victory can be attributed to their agility up front and precise set-piece tactics. Rafa Silva and Angel Di Maria each gave their teams the lead with a brilliant individual performance and tactical execution. Although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back for Marseille in the second half, Benfica's overall tactical set-up and control in midfield gave them the upper hand in the first leg.
The stats for the match show that Benfica, while not as good as Marseille in possession (39% to 61%), were better at key defensive counter-attacks and quick transitions. The match highlighted the tactical flexibility of the Benfica coaches and the execution of the players in key moments.
AC Milan 0-1 Roma: An unexpected defeat
On the other side, in Milan, AC Milan unexpectedly lost 0-1 to Roma at the San Siro. Roma's victory was largely due to their solid defence and effective exploitation of chances, particularly Roberto Mancini's pinpoint header from a corner. While AC Milan experimented with a variety of attacks during the game, including long-range shots and wide attacks, Roma's defence was always effective in clearing or blocking when it mattered most.
The match was a wake-up call for AC Milan to show how difficult it is to win a game, even when they have the advantage of the field, if they can't effectively convert it into points. It was a strategic victory for Roma and showed that they did quite well when it came to key defensive organisation and counter-attacking strategies.
Summary of personal opinions
This round of Europa League fixtures has been full of tactical battles and unexpected results, with each game having its own unique story to tell, from Liverpool's heavy defeat to Bayer Leverkusen's persistence. Especially in Europe at such a high level, no team can afford to be careless.
In my opinion, the uncertainty and tactical variability of football matches are its most appealing aspects. The tactical arrangement of the coach and the execution of the players on the field are the key to winning the game, while the management of mental and physical strength is an indispensable factor in the protracted battle. In future competitions, teams should pay more attention to grasping and responding to these details.