Athlético Paranaense Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Santos
29- G. Benavídez
8- J. Portilla*
3- Léo Pelé
5- Otávio*
37- L. Esquivel
9- K. Viveros
10- B. Zapelli
2- Gilberto Jr.*
18- Felipinho
19- L. Fernando

Prioritizing verticality and quick transitions, Athlético Paranaense relies on a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup focuses on controlling the middle of the pitch to create rapid attacking movements. By flooding the central areas, the team seeks to win the ball back high up the pitch and push forward immediately.

Santos guards the goal as the last line of defense. Ahead of him, a back three consists of Léo Pelé, J. Portilla (C), and G. Benavídez. J. Portilla (C) acts as the leader of the defensive unit, organizing the line and ensuring cover is provided. Léo Pelé and G. Benavídez maintain a compact distance to intercept passes, while the wide defenders must track back to prevent opposition wingers from finding space.

The midfield functions through a combination of wide players and central creators. Gilberto Jr. and L. Esquivel operate as wingbacks, providing width by pushing up the flanks to cross the ball. In the center, Felipinho and Otávio (C) work to control the tempo, with Otávio (C) acting to shield the defense and break the lines with his passing. B. Zapelli operates in the hole as an attacking midfielder to connect the middle third to the strikers.

Athlético Paranaense employs two forwards to lead the line. L. Fernando and K. Viveros operate as a strike duo, with one often dropping deeper to hold up the ball while the other makes runs into the channels. The movement of B. Zapelli behind them creates a constant threat in the box. These attackers press high to force errors from the opposition defense, allowing the team to transition into attack very quickly.

One major advantage of this formation is the numerical superiority in the central zone, which makes it hard for opponents to play through the middle. The ability of Gilberto Jr. and L. Esquivel to overlap provides constant width, stretching the opposing backline. Additionally, the presence of Otávio (C) and B. Zapelli allows the team to overload the final third during sustained periods of pressure.

This 3-5-2 lineup is built to dominate the center of the pitch and strike quickly on the break. It is most effective against teams that play with a narrow midfield or struggle to track runners from deep positions.