Europa League Next Level Teamwork analysis: Athletic Club and Eintracht Frankfurt impress

Striking set piece routines allowed Adama Boiro and Junior Dina Ebimbe to help their respective sides to victory as Athletic Club defeated Elfsborg 3-0 on Matchday 5 and Frankfurt downed Beşiktaş on Matchday 2.

Alongside UEFA's Performance Analysis unit, UEFA Technical Observers Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Jan Peder Jalland take a closer look at both goals as part of the Europa League Next Level Teamwork series, presented by Engelbert Strauss.

Adama Boiro: Athletic Club 3-0 Elfsborg

Adama Boiro opened the scoring with just over five minutes played as Athletic Club roared past Elfsborg in Bilbao on Matchday 5. After the 22-year-old defender had set the tone, Beñat Prados and Gorka Guruzeta added to the scoring.

Solskjær on Adama Boiro's goal
"Both goals featured in this article underscore the crucial role of rehearsed set plays in weekly training sessions, along with the necessity for focus and precision.

"Adama Boiro’s goal is truly exceptional. Athletic Club create a sense of chaos in the box prior to the goal, using movement and subtle nudges to disrupt the opposing defenders and carve out space for Boiro. The assist – a deft flick – is timed and weighted to perfection, setting up Boiro for a brilliantly executed strike that finds the back of the net."

Jalland on Adama Boiro's goal
"The execution in this clip demonstrates an impressive level of technical precision. The success of this set play routine hinges on perfect timing. As Ole Gunnar highlighted, the nudging and blocking from Athletic Club players is key to opening up the space for Adama Boiro.

"This is a testament to the ingenuity of Athletic Club's coaching staff. Every element – the passing, the flick, and the finish – had to align perfectly to produce such a spectacular goal."

Junior Dina Ebimbe: Beşiktaş 1-3 Frankfurt

Junior Dina Ebimbe guided in Frankfurt's second on their way to an impressive win in Istanbul. Omar Marmoush had opened the scoring from the spot minutes earlier and Ansgar Knauff added a late third before Beşiktaş could offer anything in reply.

Solskjær on Dina Ebimbe's goal
"Frankfurt’s goal is reminiscent of Andrea Pirlo’s artistry. A set piece routine like this demands flawless timing and technical excellence."

Jalland on Dina Ebimbe's goal
"Frankfurt strategically split their front five during the free kick from the centre, positioning players to exploit both left and right channels.

"In this instance, they chose the shorter route - a quick pass from slightly right to the left, followed by an inswinging cross. This approach created advantageous angles while posing significant challenges for Beşiktaş’ defence."