Cartagena Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1. Pablo Cuñat
2. Jorge Moreno
4. Pedro Alcalá
22. Kiko Olivas
12. Vukcevic
11. Oscar Clemente
18. Damián Musto
33. El Jebari
17. Andy
38. Rafa Nuñez
14. Alex Millán

Cartagena plays with a defensive identity using a 4-5-1 formation. This lineup is built to stay compact and wait for the opponent to make a mistake. The team focuses on being defensively solid, looking to sit deep and protect the middle of the pitch. This formation allows the players to stay close together and make it hard for the opposition to find gaps.

Pablo Cuñat guards the goal and organizes the defensive unit. The back line functions as a flat back four where Jorge Moreno operates as a defensive wing back on the right side. Vukcevic plays as the left back to cover the flank and track back when needed. In the center, Pedro Alcalá and Kiko Olivas act as the central defenders. Kiko Olivas is known for his aerial strength to win the header during set pieces and crosses. They hold the line and work together to deny the turn of any incoming attackers.

The midfield consists of five players to create a wall in front of the defense. Damián Musto and Andy form a double pivot to shield the defense and win the second ball. Oscar Clemente and Rafa Nuñez play in the half spaces to link the defensive and attacking lines. El Jebari sits in the middle to press in a mid-block and intercept passes. This group works to squeeze the space and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

Alex Millán leads the line as a lone striker. He functions as a pressing centre-forward to force the opposition back line into mistakes. When the team moves forward, Oscar Clemente and Rafa Nuñez make runs to support him, often looking to arrive late into the box. The attack is built through quick transitions where the team aims to hit in behind on the transition. The midfielders look to pass the ball to Millán to find the feet of the striker and start a move.

One major advantage for Cartagena is the compactness when defending. By packing the midfield, they make it very difficult for opponents to find space in the center. Another strength is the speed of transition once the ball is won. The combination of the double pivot and the wide players allows for quick moves to exploit the flanks.

The 4-5-1 formation provides Cartagena with a reliable way to defend against stronger sides. It is most effective when playing against possession based teams that struggle to break down a low block.