Formation Juve used
Juventus used a 5-4-1 formation with Alvaro Morata on the left flank (meaning there was potential to go 5-3-2). A clear departure from the 4-3-2-1 used by Allegri in recent weeks. Before we start, an important disclaimer. I will try to convey what, in my opinion, Max Allegri’s idea could be. Of course, we cannot get into the head of the Juve coach, but we can make reasonable assumptions based on knowledge of the strengths of the opponent and the episodes in which the players tried to realize the idea (even if it did not work out). The facts in this case are limited to the fact that Allegri felt that the team needed to adapt strongly to Villarreal, and his moves led to an equal match and a fair draw (definitely not a tactical masterclass). Then we go into the gray zone of interpretations – I will try to make them as reasonable as possible, but still I warn you.
Why there was logic in Allegri’s moves
Football “Villarreal” in the attack is heavily tied to the flank combinations. As a rule, a triangle is formed in which the opponent is stumped by the interactions of the full-back, the winger and the attacker who has fallen to the flank. Due to the high level of teamwork, sometimes even a couple of players are enough. Holding back flanking combinations is the key to holding back Unai Emery’s team. In this regard, it is interesting that Allegri in a special way made up the three defenders within the framework of 5-4-1, On the sides of Matthijs de Ligt were Danilo and Alex Sandro, players with experience playing on the flanks. This left the potential for transformation. Juan Cuadrado comes forward, and Danilo becomes right-back due to the situation