FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea: Tactical Analysis & Match Report (1-2)

Defending the Middle and Defensive Thirds

In those rare instances when Chelsea were pinned back into a mid-block, the Blues shifted into a 4-4-2 shape, while Copenhagen settled in a 3-2-5 formation.

Chelsea’s compact block worked well when defending in the middle third. However, when pinned deeper, their shape resembled a 5-4-1, with either a Chelsea central midfielder or winger dropping deep to provide support. Copenhagen, however, struggled to break down Chelsea and often resorted to delivering crosses from wide areas, as they couldn't pierce through the middle.

The first half was, quite frankly, boring. Chelsea's xG in the first half barely outmatched Copenhagen's, with a Palmer long shot being the only proper chance of the half. Chelsea struggled to break through Copenhagen’s defense, who did well to stay compact. There was a lack of energy and initiative from Chelsea, and no runs in behind to stretch the defense. It felt as though Maresca’s passive out-of-possession setup trickled down into their in-possession play, which also lacked dynamism.

Maresca made three changes at halftime: Enzo Fernández, Levi Colwill, and Christopher Nkunku came on for Caicedo, Benoit Badiashile, and Mheuka. Gusto was also subbed off for Marc Cucurella after picking up an injury in the first half.

Aside from the personnel changes, the most significant shift was the return of energy. As soon as the second half began, Chelsea’s off-ball intensity increased.

The opening goal stemmed from George’s press on the Copenhagen goalkeeper, forcing a long kick that went out for a throw-in. Quick interchanges between Nkunku, Fernández, and Cucurella found Cucurella in space on the left flank to deliver a cross. Though it appeared aimed for Madueke, the cross found James outside the penalty area. The captain’s long-range effort crept into the near post to give Chelsea the lead.

Chelsea’s newfound aggression off the ball meant they switched to a man-oriented press. With George leading the press, the Blues displayed more intensity from the front. However, the man-oriented approach has its drawbacks. If a 1v1 is lost, it can leave gaps in the defense — as evidenced by a sequence where James failed to track Viktor Claesson’s run.

While he scanned and identified the threat, his delayed reaction almost cost Chelsea. Thankfully, Chelsea were lucky not to concede.

The home side adjusted their out-of-possession intensity, pressing higher with a one-man deficit. Their plan revolved around having an underload against Chelsea’s pivots, but they tried to compensate with shadow marking and higher off-ball intensity. At times, it worked, unsettling Chelsea during their build-up phase. But when Copenhagen dropped their intensity, Chelsea were able to find penetrative passes through the middle.

Chelsea’s high pressing intensity led to the second goal. Copenhagen tried to build short from their goal kick, but Chelsea’s man-oriented press thwarted them. Nkunku and Cucurella managed to steal the ball, quickly playing it to Madueke. The winger found Fernández, who took a superb first-time shot to double the lead.

Copenhagen's high press paid off indirectly. Chelsea were forced to play long as Chalobah was pressured. The ball found a Chelsea forward, but George and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall struggled to control possession, leading to a turnover. Copenhagen sprung a quick counterattack, unfairly halted by Chalobah’s challenge. From the subsequent free-kick, Pereira scored after lurking at the back post as Dewsbury-Hall was caught unaware.

For the remaining ten minutes, Chelsea did well to protect their lead. Maresca reverted to his initial -1 high press, with the winger curving his run to press the left center-back. In the middle third, Chelsea defended zonally in a 4-4-2 formation. Copenhagen had a little more possession but were unable to truly threaten Chelsea. Nevertheless, it was good to see Chelsea control the game and see out the final stages.

Maresca will be happy with the win and will hope the team can string a few victories together. That said, in terms of performance, he won't be overly satisfied, particularly with the first half. In the second half, Chelsea did just enough to secure the win. They weren't dominant, but the result was important. With some key players missing, Chelsea still could have and should have done better.

Next up: Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.