Athlético Paranaense Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1- Santos
9- K. Viveros
10- B. Zapelli
33- F. Aguirre
37- L. Esquivel
8- J. Portilla*
29- G. Benavídez
35- Otávio*
11- Victor Hugo*
21- G. Mantuan*
7- Capixaba*

Athlético Paranaense focuses on aggressive verticality and high pressing through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to overwhelm opponents in their own half by using wide players to pin back defensive lines. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly transition into attacking phases to catch the opposition out of position.

Santos stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back three consists of L. Esquivel, F. Aguirre, and G. Benavídez. Esquivel operates as the left central defender, while Aguirre occupies the central spot to act as the main anchor. Benavídez provides cover on the right side. This unit often pushes up to maintain a high line, forcing the opposition to play long balls. The defenders must stay compact to prevent runners from breaking the line between them.

The midfield works in a flat four to control the central zones and provide width. Capixaba operates on the right side to provide energy and overlapping runs, while G. Mantuan occupies the left side to track back and support the defense. In the center, J. Portilla and Otávio control the tempo. Otávio helps to shield the defense and intercept passes, whereas J. Portilla looks to drive forward and connect the lines. This midfield group must shift quickly to cover the spaces left behind when the wingbacks push high.

Attacking the final third involves three players who spread the width of the pitch. B. Zapelli stays wide on the left to cut inside and find passing lanes, while Victor Hugo operates on the right to stretch the defense. K. Viveros acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and occupy the two central defenders. These three attackers press the opposition backline intensely to force mistakes. The movements of Zapelli and Victor Hugo create space in the middle for the midfielders to make late runs into the box.

Athlético Paranaense possesses a significant advantage when they create wide overloads through the runs of Capixaba and Mantuan. This allows the team to isolate opponents in one on one situations on the flanks. The formation also provides the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for opponents to build play from the back. The central strength of the midfield helps the team maintain control during transitions.

This 3-4-3 formation identifies a side that wants to dominate through intensity and rapid ball movement. It is best suited for games against teams that play a low block and struggle with high pressing.