Athlético Paranaense Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Mycael · 2- Dudu M. · 45- Belezi · 3- Léo Pelé · 37- L. Esquivel · 31- Raul · 5- Filipinho · 10- B. Zapelli · 27- Alan Kardec · 7- K. Velasco · 19- L. Fernando

Athlético Paranaense relies on a compact and defensive identity using a 4-5-1. This formation is built to sit deep and wait for the opposition to commit numbers forward before looking to hit them on the break. The goal is to squeeze the space between the lines and maintain a solid block that is hard to break down through the middle.

Mycael stands between the posts to guard the goal. Ahead of him, the back four maintains a disciplined line. Belezi and Léo Pelé act as the central pair, with Belezi providing aerial strength and Léo Pelé acting to cover the space behind when the line steps up. Dudu M. plays as the right back to defend the flank, while L. Esquivel operates on the left as a defensive wing back to help keep the team compact. The unit works to hold the line and force the opposition wide.

The midfield is a five man group designed to control the center of the pitch. Filipinho and Raul form a double pivot to shield the defence and win the second ball. In front of them, B. Zapelli, K. Velasco, and L. Fernando occupy the half spaces to connect the defence and attack. L. Fernando and K. Velasco work to press in a mid-block to win the ball back high up the pitch, while B. Zapelli looks to receive on the half-turn and move the ball forward. This group aims to recycle possession and deny the turn to opponents.

Alan Kardec operates as a lone striker to lead the line. He acts as a target man to hold up the ball and allow the midfielders to push up. The attack is built through quick transitions where the wide midfielders look to exploit the space behind the opposition full backs. When the team wins the ball, the intent is to find the feet of the striker or use his strength to bring others into play. The midfielders look to arrive late into the box to support the pressure on the goal.

Athlético Paranaense gains a major advantage from the numerical superiority in the midfield unit. This makes it very difficult for opponents to play through the centre. The formation also provides great compactness when defending, as the distance between the back four and the midfield five stays very small. This makes the team very hard to play against in a low block.

This 4-5-1 formation is built for a team that wants to be hard to beat and strike with precision. It is best suited for matches against dominant teams where the goal is to defend deep and counter at pace.