Athlético Paranaense Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Santos
29- G. Benavídez
4- R. Arboleda*
3- Léo Pelé
37- L. Esquivel
9- K. Viveros
10- B. Zapelli
5- J. Portilla*
8- Otávio*
11- Léo Chú*
20- Lorran*

Athlético Paranaense aims to dominate games through high intensity and aggressive verticality using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to pin opponents back and force quick transitions in the final third. The team focuses on high pressing to win the ball back quickly and launch direct attacks.

Santos sits between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back three consists of Léo Pelé, R. Arboleda, and G. Benavídez. R. Arboleda acts as the central anchor, using his aerial strength to defend crosses and clear danger. Léo Pelé and G. Benavídez provide cover on either side, stepping up to intercept passes or tracking runners in the channels. This unit works as a compact block to deny space between the lines.

The midfield operates with two central players and two wide midfielders to cover the pitch. J. Portilla and Otávio occupy the center, with Otávio acting as the captain to control the tempo and shield the back three. J. Portilla works to break the line with progressive passes and link the defense to the attack. On the flanks, L. Esquivel and Léo Chú act as wide midfielders who push up to support the wingers while tracking back to help the defenders.

In the attacking phase, the team utilizes three forwards to stretch the opposition. K. Viveros leads the line as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and occupy the central defenders. B. Zapelli and Lorran operate in wide positions, with Lorran cutting inside to create goal threats and B. Zapelli looking to exploit the half spaces. This frontline presses in coordinated waves to prevent the opponent from building from the back.

One major advantage for Athlético Paranaense is the ability to create wide overloads through the work of L. Esquivel and Léo Chú. These wide midfielders can overlap or underlap to create extra passing lanes. Another strength is the central compactness provided by J. Portilla and Otávio, which makes it difficult for opponents to play through the middle. This allows the team to win the ball in dangerous areas and transition with speed.

This 3-4-3 formation provides a balanced platform for aggressive pressing and rapid attacking transitions. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to dominate territory and overwhelm the opponent in the wide areas.