CONCACAF Champions Cup Preview

Columbus Crew will take on Pachuca 8,000 feet above sea level

I genuinely think this CONCACAF Champions Cup final Saturday night at 9:15 ET between Pachuca and Columbus Crew is the best tactical battle of the year so far. Both teams have had remarkable journeys to the final, showcasing their unique styles and strengths. With Pachuca's high press and quick counter-attacks clashing against Columbus Crew's possession-based approach. Let's dive into a comprehensive preview of this highly anticipated showdown.

If you’re new here I’m Jake, I’m a UEFA C license coach. I love to break down tactics in a way that makes sense for you. So let’s start high level with team overviews, then work our way down to key players and specific tactics.

Team Overview

Pachuca

Pachuca, led by the astute Guillermo Almada, has been a formidable force in Liga MX and the Concacaf Champions Cup. Known for their aggressive high-pressing game and quick counter-attacks, Pachuca has a blend of young, technically gifted players and experienced veterans. Despite the absence of Jorge Berlanga, suspended due to yellow card accumulation, Pachuca's depth and tactical flexibility make them a tough opponent.

Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew, under the guidance of Wilfried Nancy, has built their success on a solid possession-based approach. The Crew's ability to control the game through precise passing and maintaining possession has been key to their journey to the final. The team is disciplined and well-organized, with a strong defensive unit complemented by creative midfielders and clinical forwards.

Tactical Battle

Pachuca's High Press and Counter-Attacks

Pachuca is expected to start the game with an aggressive high press, aiming to disrupt Columbus Crew's build-up play and force turnovers high up the pitch. This approach creates quick scoring opportunities, leveraging the speed and technical ability of their wingers like Idrissi, Deossa, and Rodriguez. Almada's team is known for taking a lot of shots and not prioritizing possession, focusing instead on pressing hard and capitalizing on quick transitions.

Columbus Crew's Possession Play

Columbus Crew's strategy revolves around maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game. Nancy's team will need to navigate Pachuca's high press effectively, ensuring minimal defensive mistakes. The first 20 minutes will be crucial, as surviving Pachuca's early pressure without conceding can set the stage for a more controlled performance. Scoring the first goal is essential for the Crew to avoid chasing the game, which could expose them to Pachuca's dangerous counter-attacks.

Key Players

Pachuca

Salomon Rondón's experience and aerial prowess make him a crucial asset for Pachuca. His ability to hold up the ball, link play, and score from set pieces and crosses adds a different dimension to Pachuca's attacking play. In the final against Columbus Crew, Rondón's presence in the box will be vital, especially during set pieces where his aerial threat can be maximized. His leadership and experience also provide invaluable guidance to the younger players in the squad.

The wingers, Oussama Idrissi, Nelson Deossa, and Miguel Rodriguez, bring a combination of speed, skill, and determination to Pachuca's play. Their willingness to sprint and take on defenders puts constant pressure on the opposition's defense. In the final against Columbus Crew, their role will be crucial in stretching the play and creating opportunities for Rondón and other attackers.

These wingers also provide defensive support, tracking back to help the full-backs when needed. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack will be essential in Pachuca's counter-attacking strategy. The speed and directness of Idrissi, Deossa, and Rodriguez will be a significant threat to Columbus Crew's defense, especially if they can exploit spaces left behind by the Crew's attacking movements.

The young talents in Pachuca's squad are not just players for the future but are already making significant contributions to the team's success. Their technical skills and fearless approach allow Pachuca to play an attractive, attacking style of football. In high-pressure situations, these young players have shown maturity beyond their years, handling the intensity of big games with composure.

Columbus Crew

Darlington Nagbe is the linchpin in Columbus Crew's midfield. His ability to dictate the pace of the game with precise passing and vision is crucial, especially against Pachuca's high press. By controlling the midfield, Nagbe can help the Crew maintain possession, alleviate pressure, and build attacking plays from the back. His composure and decision-making will be essential in ensuring that Columbus Crew can effectively bypass Pachuca's aggressive pressing and maintain control of the game.

Diego Rossi is the creative heartbeat of Columbus Crew's offense. His vision, passing accuracy, and dribbling skills make him a constant threat to any defense. Rossi's ability to unlock defenses with key passes and create scoring opportunities not just for others but for himself is vital for Columbus Crew's attacking strategy. His playmaking abilities can exploit any gaps in Pachuca's defense, especially during quick transitions and set pieces, making him a critical player in breaking down Pachuca's defensive lines.

Rudy Camacho's experience and defensive prowess are essential for handling Pachuca's attacking threats, particularly their quick counter-attacks and aerial challenges. As a leader in the defense, Camacho will need to organize and maintain the defensive line's discipline, ensuring that Pachuca's speedy wingers and powerful forwards like Rondón are kept in check. His ability to win aerial duels, make crucial tackles, and provide calm under pressure will be pivotal in neutralizing Pachuca's offensive strategies and maintaining a solid defensive foundation for Columbus Crew.

Key Match Dynamics

Pachuca's Game Plan

High Press

Pachuca employs an aggressive high press, designed to disrupt the opposition’s build-up play and win the ball back in advanced positions. This tactic hinges on intense pressing from the front, forcing errors and hurried decisions from the opposing defenders and midfielders.

The forwards and attacking midfielders will initiate the press as soon as Columbus Crew gains possession. They will aim to cut off passing lanes and apply pressure to the ball carrier, making it difficult for Columbus to play out from the back.

By winning the ball high up the pitch, Pachuca can create immediate scoring opportunities, catching the defense off guard and unorganized.

Counter-Attacks

Pachuca excels in quick transitions from defense to attack, leveraging the pace and skill of their wingers. This approach is particularly effective when the opponent is caught out of position, having committed players forward.

Upon regaining possession, Pachuca will look to release their wingers, Idrissi, Deossa, and Rodriguez, with quick, forward passes. These players use their speed to exploit the spaces left by Columbus Crew’s attacking movements.

The aim is to transition rapidly, taking advantage of any disorganization in Columbus Crew’s defense and creating high-quality chances on the break.

Set Pieces

Set pieces are a crucial element of Pachuca’s attacking strategy, especially with a physical presence like Rondón. They aim to capitalize on dead-ball situations to generate scoring opportunities.

During corner kicks, free kicks, and other set pieces, Pachuca will target Rondón with well-placed crosses. His aerial ability makes him a significant threat in these scenarios.

Maximizing the potential of set pieces can provide Pachuca with additional scoring avenues, particularly against well-organized defensive setups.

Columbus Crew's Game Plan

Possession

Columbus Crew’s strategy revolves around maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game. This approach reduces the opportunities for the opposition to press and counter-attack, allowing Columbus to dictate the flow of the match.

The midfield, led by players like Darlington Nagbe, will focus on short, precise passing to retain control of the ball. They will look to build attacks patiently, waiting for openings in Pachuca’s defense.

By keeping possession, Columbus can tire out Pachuca’s players, mitigate the risk of turnovers, and create chances through controlled, deliberate build-up play.

Defensive Discipline

Columbus Crew’s defensive strategy is built on maintaining a solid, organized structure. Minimizing defensive mistakes and ensuring precise pass selection are crucial to withstanding Pachuca’s pressure and counter-attacks.

The backline and midfield will stay compact, with players maintaining their positions and covering for each other. This disciplined approach prevents gaps from opening up, which Pachuca’s attackers could exploit.

Effective defensive discipline reduces the risk of conceding goals, particularly from quick transitions or set pieces. It ensures that Columbus can remain resilient under pressure and control the game’s defensive aspects.

Scoring First

Scoring the first goal is a critical component of Columbus Crew’s game plan. An early lead allows them to dictate the game on their terms, forcing Pachuca to take more risks and potentially expose themselves defensively.

Columbus will aim to start the match strongly, looking for opportunities to score early through their controlled possession and creative playmakers like Diego Rossi.

Securing an early goal shifts the tactical balance, giving Columbus Crew the advantage and allowing them to manage the game more comfortably especially when considering the game will be played 8,000 feet above sea level. It reduces the need to chase the game and limits Pachuca’s counter-attacking opportunities.

Other Considerations

Match Fitness

Pachuca’s 19-day break before the final could affect their match sharpness and fitness levels. Columbus Crew might look to exploit any rustiness or lack of rhythm in Pachuca’s play.

A longer break could lead to slower starts and potential lapses in concentration for Pachuca, which Columbus can capitalize on by starting the match with high intensity and focus.

Physicality and Fouls

Both teams are known for their physical style of play. Columbus Crew will need to manage the physical duels, especially key players like Nagbe, who might attract fouls and disrupt Pachuca’s rhythm.

Physical play can influence the game’s tempo and create set-piece opportunities. Columbus Crew must be disciplined to avoid unnecessary fouls and keep their key players fit and effective.

Defensive Gaps

Columbus’s relentless possession can leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks if the ball is won by Pachuca high up the field. Columbus Crew’s ability to avoid these traps will be crucial.

Historical Context

Saying Pachuca has a strong history in the Concacaf Champions Cup is an understatement. They have quite literally never lost in six CONCACAF finals appearances. Their experience and success in the tournament add an extra layer of challenge for Columbus Crew, who will need to be at their best to overcome such a formidable opponent

The Concacaf Champions Cup final between Pachuca and Columbus Crew promises to be an intense and tactical battle. With Pachuca's high press and quick counter-attacks clashing against Columbus Crew's possession-based approach, the game could be decided by fine margins and key moments. Both teams have the quality and tactical acumen to emerge victorious, making this final a must-watch for anyone.