Univ. Católica Football Formation

Starting Lineup

13- M. Guillier
4- G. Soto
14- V. Huerta*
5- D. González
3- E. Mena
10- C. Pinares
7- J. Torres
9- F. Zampedri
18- A. Aravena
8- F. Sobral*
25- Ricardo*

Univ. Católica aims to play a hard to beat, counter attacking game through a 4-5-1 formation. This lineup relies on a compact defensive block to frustrate opponents before looking to hit them quickly on the transition. The team focuses on winning the second ball and using the pace of their wide players to stretch the opposition.

M. Guillier stays between the posts to command his area. In front of him, the back line sits in a narrow defensive block to limit space between the lines. V. Huerta and D. González act as the central pairing, with Huerta providing cover while D. González looks to win headers. G. Soto operates as a defensive wing back to maintain the line, while E. Mena covers the left side to ensure the team remains compact. The defensive unit works to squeeze the space and force the opposition into wide areas.

The midfield is a five man unit designed to control the middle of the pitch. Ricardo and F. Sobral form a double pivot to shield the defence and sit deep to intercept passes. C. Pinares acts as the link between the defensive and attacking lines, looking to receive the ball and move it forward. J. Torres and A. Aravena occupy the remaining central spaces to press aggressively and win the ball back high up the pitch. This midfield group works to recycle possession and quickly find the forwards.

Up front, F. Zampedri operates as a lone pressing centre forward. He works to hold up the ball and pin the last defender to create space for others. The attack relies on quick combinations to break the line, often using runs in behind to exploit gaps. When Univ. Católica wins the ball, the goal is to move it wide or play through the lines to find Zampedri in the box. The forwards must work hard to press the opposition back line to prevent them from building from the back.

One major advantage for Univ. Católica is the compactness when defending in a mid block. The five midfielders and four defenders make it very difficult for opponents to find passing lanes through the middle. Another strength is the ability to hit in behind on the transition once the double pivot of Ricardo and F. Sobral recovers possession. This creates immediate pressure on the opposition defence.

This 4-5-1 formation is built to absorb pressure and strike on the break. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high line.