Athlético Paranaense Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Santos
29- G. Benavídez
4- Diego Costa
3- Léo Pelé
7- Marcinho*
5- Otávio*
8- J. Portilla*
37- L. Esquivel
10- B. Zapelli
9- K. Viveros
11- R. Veiga*

A high pressing identity drives Athlético Paranaense through their 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to dominate the pitch by forcing opponents into mistakes and quickly recovering the ball in advanced areas. The team focuses on verticality, looking to break lines rapidly once they win possession.

Santos acts as the lone man in goal to organize the defensive unit. A back three consisting of Léo Pelé, Diego Costa, and G. Benavídez provides a solid base. Diego Costa covers the central zone to win headers and block crosses, while Léo Pelé and G. Benavídez provide cover on the left and right sides of the central trio. The defensive unit is expected to step up to catch attackers offside and maintain a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield works in a central block to control the center of the pitch. J. Portilla and Otávio occupy the central roles to shield the back three and break up play. Captain J. Portilla directs the rhythm from deep, while Otávio helps to link the defense to the attack. On the flanks, L. Esquivel and Marcinho operate as wide midfielders, providing the necessary width to stretch the opposition defense.

In the attacking phase, the team utilizes three dedicated forwards to pressure the opponent. K. Viveros leads the line as the lone striker to hold up the ball and pin the central defenders. B. Zapelli and R. Veiga occupy the wide attacking positions, often looking to cut inside to create passing lanes toward the middle. This front three is tasked with pressing the opposition backline to prevent them from building play from the back.

Athlético Paranaense gains a significant advantage through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. The combination of the front three and the wide midfielders allows them to squeeze the space in the opponent's half. Additionally, the presence of wide players like B. Zapelli and R. Veiga creates opportunities to isolate defenders in one on one situations during transitions.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on intense physical output and quick transitions. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.