UEFA Conference League Tactical Analysis: How Chelsea gained control against Copenhagen
Friday, March 7, 2025
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UEFA Technical Observer David Adams analyses how Chelsea edged the strategic battle to protect and exploit central areas in a closely fought first-leg encounter.
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Copenhagen's late strike from a set play reduced the deficit to a single goal to ensure this UEFA Conference League round of 16 tie remains on a knife-edge despite their Premier League opponents continuing their 100% record in the competition with a seventh consecutive victory.
In this article the UEFA Technical Observer David Adams – working together with UEFA's analysis unit – casts a spotlight on a fascinating tussle for supremacy in the middle of the pitch and how a tactical tweak by the Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca yielded instant results.
Fighting for the upper hand
Starting with the early jostle for superiority, Adams identified two competing trends with the ball. "In the first half Chelsea, in an offensive 3-2-2-3 shape, were looking to exploit Copenhagen's 5-2-3 defensive structure," explained Adams.
The first video showcases the home side's success in containing Chelsea. Clip one shows the compact mid-block shape that helped deny the tournament's leading scorers in the league phase a shot on goal in the first half. "In possession Chelsea used three plus two in the create phase," explained Adams. "Copenhagen matched them up with three forwards and two midfielders to prevent central line breaks."
Chelsea's two No10s – Cole Palmer and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – were forced to forage for space outside the two defensive midfielders. In clips two and three we see how well the Copenhagen midfielders hunt in packs and the effectiveness of the centre-backs and wing-backs, particularly Birger Meling on the left, jumping to force Palmer and Dewsbury-Hall away from goal and back inside.
"Copenhagen also tried to match the numbers of Chelsea's attack with two No10s and a front three," noted Adams. "The trade-off was that the outside centre-backs and wing-backs had to be aggressive in their pressure to prevent the No10s getting success."
Copenhagen's cutting edge
Chelsea operated in a 4-4-2 out of possession in the first half, with first Malo Gusto and then his replacement, Marc Cucurella, retreating from left wing to full-back when the ball was lost. "Copenhagen's in-possession shape, 3-4-3, seemed intent on exploiting this system," explained Adams, noting the opportunities for line-breaking passes created by the diamond midfield four's positioning as the second key trend in possession.
The second video illustrates how the home side penetrated the Chelsea block with punched forward passes, driving runs from centre-backs and diagonal balls from wide into the final third. It is worth noting how the diamond shape of the midfield four forces Chelsea's midfielders to vacate the deep central area in front of their back line.
Adams highlighted the importance of this central battle for supremacy in the create phase. "Every team is trying to find central overloads and put their most creative players, like Palmer for Chelsea, between lines to connect with the top line. Equally by putting players inside it narrows up the opposition, which is why you see the importance of wingers or full-backs who can attack 1v1 and create crossing situations."
Maresca's re-think
The final clip in the second video above illustrates the weakness of Chelsea's midfield four advancing to press in a changed 4-1-4-1 system, with the Copenhagen No10 Viktor Claesson receiving in the pocket away from Chelsea's lone defensive midfielder, Reece James.
By this time, James had broken the deadlock with a strike from outside the box in the first minute of the second half.
The goal brought instant reward for Maresca's bold changes at half-time, making three substitutions and tweaking the formation out of possession. While the above clip shows the risk of having one holding midfielder, the rewards were clear too. "Chelsea's change from 4-4-2 to 4-1-4-1 brought more control of the middle against the diamond," said Adams. "It was more aggressive and maybe helped swing the momentum of the match. In possession, the shape was consistent, but the No10s had more success in the second half."
Group pressure
The final video highlights another impressive aspect of Chelsea's display that remained constant: Player-to-player pressing.
We see the risk vs reward nature of strong and cohesive group pressure in the high block in the first clip, with Chelsea's front six locking on to direct opponents to force the goalkeeper, Diant Ramaj, to go long and initiate a 4v4 attack. The final example leads to the crucial goal by substitute Enzo Fernández after a turnover deep in the Copenhagen half.
"Chelsea's approach to pressing was the same throughout the game," said Adams. "But it was the timing and bravery of full-backs to go high and leave team-mates 1v1 on the back line and the ability of centre-backs to be comfortable to defend in wide areas that made the difference."
Key lesson – athleticism matters
Adams flagged up an importance message for coaches looking to hone young defenders capable of thriving in a player-to-player system at elite level. "Centre-backs need to be developed so that they have the athleticism and ability to defend in central and wide areas," he said.
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