Peñarol Football Formation
July 23, 2025
Pretorian
Starting Lineup
MONTELONGO · OLIVERA · GUTIÉRREZ · DIOGO · SARALEGUI · BOSSIO · ZALAZAR · W. SILVA · F. MORENA · V. RAMOS · FERNÁNDEZPeñarol relies on a direct and vertical style of play built around a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to use wide areas to stretch the opposition and create quick transitions. The team looks to win the ball and move through the thirds with speed to catch the defense out of position.
Fernández acts as the last line of defense in goal. The defensive unit works as a back five consisting of Saralegui as the central defender while Olivera and Gutiérrez play as the wide centre-backs. Montelongo operates as the right wing back and Diogo covers the left wing back position. Olivera and Gutiérrez provide cover for the central area and help to win the second ball. Montelongo and Diogo are tasked to push up the pitch to provide width while the three central defenders hold the line to prevent runs in behind.
The midfield relies on a two man pairing with Bossio and Zalazar operating in the central zone. These two players act as the engine to connect the defense and the attack. Zalazar and Bossio must work together to protect the central space and recycle possession when the team is under pressure. They are responsible to pick up runners and press in a mid-block to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines. When the team wins the ball, they look to find the front three quickly to start the attack.
The attacking line features three players across the front with F. Morena acting as the lone striker. W. Silva and V. Ramos play as wide attackers who look to get to the byline. W. Silva and V. Ramos often cut inside to create goal scoring chances. F. Morena stays central to find the feet of the striker and hold up the ball for the wingers. The front three work to press from the front and force the opposition back into their own half.
Peñarol finds success through the ability to create wide overloads when Montelongo and Diogo join the attack. This setup allows the team to win the ball high up the pitch and use the speed of transition to exploit gaps. The compactness when defending in a low block makes it difficult for opponents to find space between the lines.
This 5-2-3 formation is a robust system designed for teams that want to strike quickly on the break. It is best suited for matches against sides that play with a high line and leave space behind their defenders.