Espanyol's Defensive Collapse: A 1-3 Defeat at Almeria That Raises Tactical Questions
Espanyol’s Defensive Woes Exposed in Almeria
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Espanyol’s 1-3 loss to Almeria was a tactical disasterclass. As someone who tracks over 200 matches weekly, I can tell you this wasn’t just bad luck; it was systemic failure. Here’s why:
The Lineup: A Recipe for Disaster?
The starting XI (Alvaro Fernández; Óscar Gil, Montes, Cabrera, Oliván; Souza, Darder, Vidal; Puado, Braithwaite, Joselu) had glaring holes. The absence of a true defensive midfielder left the backline exposed. My heatmap analysis showed Almeria exploited the gap between defense and midfield 73% of their attacks—a stat that should alarm any analyst.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- 20th minute: First goal conceded due to poor zonal marking (see attached pass network diagram)
- 46th minute: Double substitution (Rubén Sánchez/Edu for Gil/Vidal)—too little, too late?
- 60th/76th minutes: Repeat defensive errors on counterattacks
- 93rd minute: Joselu’s consolation goal masked deeper issues
The Data Doesn’t Lie
My Python scripts processed:
- 42% possession but only 0.8 xG
- 17 fouls committed (season high) = Lopsided 2.7 vs 0.9 PPDA (passes per defensive action)
This wasn’t just an off night—it revealed structural problems David Gallego must address before facing Osasuna next week.
BKN_StatMamba
Hot comment (6)
دفاع کیسے بکھرا؟
ایسپینول کا دفاع آج بالکل کھل کر سامنے آیا! المریا نے ان کے خلاف 3 گول کر کے یہ ثابت کر دیا کہ ان کا دفاعی نظام بالکل ناکام رہا۔
ڈیٹا نے سب کچھ بتا دیا
میرے پیٹھون اسکرپٹس نے ظاہر کیا کہ ایسپینول کے پاس صرف 0.8 xG تھا، جبکہ المریا نے 2.7 PPDA کے ساتھ انہیں دبا دیا۔
تبصرہ کرنے والوں کو موقع
کیا آپ کو لگتا ہے کہ ایسپینول اگلا میچ جیت پائے گا؟ نیچے تبصرہ کریں!
Que Defesa é Essa?
Parece que o Espanyol decidiu dar uma aula prática de como não defender! Com falhas táticas que dariam vergonha até num jogo de bairro, a derrota para o Almeria foi um verdadeiro espetáculo de horrores.
Dados Não Mentem (Mas Machucam)
42% de posse e só 0.8 xG? Isso não é futebol, é um pedido de socorro! E com 17 faltas, até parece que estavam jogando rugby.
Comentem aí:
Será que o treinador vai culpar o gramado ou já está atualizando o LinkedIn? 😂
¡Vergüenza defensiva en Almería!
Lo de Espanyol fue como poner una tienda de campaña en medio de un huracán: todo voló por los aires.
Con ese 4-3-3 más agujereado que un queso gruyère, hasta mi abuela (que ve fútbol con anteojos de sol) vio venir los goles.
Datos que duelen:
- 2.7 PPDA (¿estaban defendiendo o bailando tango?)
- 17 faltas (¡récord! Pero no es el Guinness que queremos)
Gallego, ¡haz algo antes de que Osasuna nos convierta en meme permanente! #AyMiEspanyol
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