Athlético Paranaense Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Santos
3- Léo Pelé
29- G. Benavídez
37- L. Esquivel
10- B. Zapelli
9- K. Viveros
5- Otávio*
8- Filipinho
21- Leozinho
4- Marcão*
17- S. Mendoza

Athlético Paranaense focuses on a high press and direct verticality using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly transition into attacking phases. The team looks to control the game through aggressive positioning and pressing waves to force errors in the opponent's buildup.

Santos acts as the lone goalkeeper guarding the net. The defensive unit sits with a back three consisting of Léo Pelé, G. Benavídez, and the captain Marcão. Marcão provides aerial strength and commands the central area of the defense. Léo Pelé and G. Benavídez cover the spaces to the left and right, while the team works to maintain a high line to compress the playing area.

The midfield functions with two central players and two wide players. Otávio, the captain, and Filipinho operate in the center to control the rhythm and break the lines with passes. They connect the defense to the forward line by shielding the back three when sitting deep. L. Esquivel and Leozinho act as wide midfielders who provide the width, pushing up to support the attack and tracking back to help the defenders when the team loses possession.

Athlético Paranaense uses three attackers to stretch the opposition defense. K. Viveros leads the line as a lone striker to hold up the ball and occupy the center backs. B. Zapelli and S. Mendoza operate as wide attackers on the left and right flanks. They often cut inside to create goalscoring chances or move into the half spaces to pull defenders out of position.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. The presence of Otávio and Filipinho in the middle allows for numerical superiority when they step up to press. The wide midfielders, L. Esquivel and Leozinho, create wide overloads by pushing high and forcing the opposition wingers to track back. This creates space for B. Zapelli and S. Mendoza to exploit one on one situations in the final third.

The 3-4-3 formation provides Athlético Paranaense with a heavy offensive presence and high pressing capability. It is best suited for games where the team wants to dominate territory and overwhelm the opponent through constant pressure.