Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Ahead of decisive group-stage fixtures, UEFA's analytics team examines how managers influence matches through substitutions and tactical reorganisations. Between the opening and final whistles league positions can swing rapidly, and coaches on the touchline use targeted changes or system shifts to react to events and try to secure the required outcome. Below are three recent examples that demonstrate the impact of such interventions.
Flick's tactical reorganisation
The first case is Barcelona's comeback win over Eintracht in matchday six, which shows how Hansi Flick altered his side's structure in possession with notable effect. Average position data indicate that in the first half Barcelona often had up to five players very high, whereas after switching from a 3-2-2-3 to a 4-3-3 in the second half their shape changed significantly.
Eintracht defended very deep in the opening period, with six players dropping back to block passing lanes and deny space for forward bursts. Flick introduced Marcus Rashford for Fermin Lopez at half-time to add width and draw opposition defenders toward the flank. The move to a 4-3-3 with full-backs positioned deeper prompted Eintracht's players to step higher, and Barcelona began to attack four defenders rather than a compact six, creating zones for forward surges that players such as Jules Kounde exploited.
Arteta seeking defensive solidity with Rice
The second example comes from matchday seven, when Mikel Arteta brought on Declan Rice in the 64th minute of the game against Inter with the visitors leading 2-1. Arsenal retained their 4-3-3, but Rice replaced Eberechi Eze and, as a more defensive-minded presence, better supported the centre-backs in dealing with Inter's two forwards.
Before the substitution Arsenal were comfortable using man-oriented marking across the pitch: centre-backs William Saliba and Christian Mosquera faced the opposing strikes in one-on-one situations while the team pressed intensely as a unit. Rice's introduction preserved a similar numerical structure at the back but added screening runs and defensive coverage around the central defenders, helping the side cope with sustained pressure. Pep Guardiola has previously praised Arteta's capacity to read matches from the bench, and this tactical choice again illustrated quick and effective reaction; Arteta later noted that contributions from both starters and substitutes were decisive.
Spalletti's switch with McKennie
The third example is last week's Juventus v Benfica fixture, when Luciano Spalletti moved Weston McKennie into a more central attacking role in the second half. Juventus began with a 4-2-3-1 in possession, McKennie starting on the right. After the break the hosts shifted toward a 4-4-2 shape: Francisco Conceicao occupied the right flank and McKennie drifted centrally alongside Jonathan David.
In the first half Juventus struggled to produce runs behind the defenders, limiting their effectiveness. Once McKennie operated through the centre the team became more mobile in transition and increased its forward incursions; the xG rose from 0.37 before half-time to 1.02 afterwards. McKennie's movement into the box and his striking contributed directly to the goal he scored, and Spalletti pointed out his ability to anticipate where the ball will land.
More analysis
UEFA's analytics team continues to publish tactical pieces ahead of matchday seven, covering defensive techniques at the highest level, Liverpool's tactical flexibility at the San Siro, and Arsenal's set-piece strengths from earlier rounds.
Updated: Tuesday, 27 January 2026
