How Fenerbahçe Defended Against Liverpool's Buildup

Fenerbahçe just produced a masterclass out of possession.

Liverpool set up in a 4-2-3-1, but in possession transitioned into a 3-2-5, with Tsimikas pushing high and Ngamoha tucking inside.

Teams generally use this structure to overload the opposition's last line and create space by moving defenders out of position.

However, Fenerbahçe countered this perfectly.

They used their right winger to drop deep and protect the outside space, allowing Semenyo to narrow off inside and deal with the more dangerous attacker, Ngamoha.

Guendouzi would then jump out from midfield to press in the front three, while Kante and Yousef covered the space behind.

Fenerbahçe were effectively matched up man for man, making it difficult for Liverpool's back three to play forwards effectively.

In the second half, Liverpool shifted to a 4-1-5, with Nyoni often dropping into the left back space to create a plus-one in the first line of buildup.

This provided greater width across the back line, making it more difficult for Fenerbahçe's front three to press effectively.

So in response, Fenerbahçe dropped into a deeper block and used their front three to protect the central passing lanes.

This allowed Kante and Yousef to cover the ground into wide areas without having to worry as much about players in the central spaces