Analysis: Urawa need to take initiative to get past SIPG
Shanghai: Urawa Red Diamonds just about edged things when they clashed with Shanghai SIPG in the group stage of this year’s AFC Champions League, losing 3-2 away but winning 1-0 at home and topping Group E on goal difference.
The same results would see Takafumi Hori’s side progress to a first final since they were crowned champions in 2007, but in order to do so they will need to play without fear in both legs of the semi-final.
Reds possession v SIPG penetration
Average positions in MD3 meeting between Shanghai SIPG and Urawa. SIPG won 3-2.
The group stage games demonstrated the difference in approach of the two sides, with Urawa looking to keep possession of the ball while SIPG applied pressure from the front and tried to attack more directly.
A glance at the average positions in each game shows the way in which SIPG’s front three all kept themselves pushed compactly up against Urawa’s defence, while there was far more space between the Reds forwards, who sat deeper.
Average positions in MD4 meeting between Urawa and Shanghai SIPG. Urawa won 1-0.
In the competition so far Reds have made twice as many successful passes as SIPG (4,847 to 2,322) but managed just 62 successful dribbles compared with SIPG’s 102, and the key to this tie will depend on which side can dictate the flow for longest.
Nishikawa key
Shusaku Nishikawa has had a difficult 2017, making a string of uncharacteristic errors and losing not just his No.1 jersey for Japan but also his place in Vahid Halilhodzic’s squad.
The 31-year-old let Elsinho scored too easily for Kawasaki Frontale in the recent quarter-final second leg, and also mis-hit a clearance straight to Odil Ahmedov on his last trip to Shanghai, gifting Elkeson SIPG’s second goal in Reds’ 3-2 loss.
He put in a stellar display in the return fixture though, pulling off a string of saves – including from Oscar’s first missed penalty – and his performances here could decide things one way or the other for Reds.
Onus on Koroki
The 11 men who take to the field for Urawa always do so in a finely-tuned formation, with each player knowing exactly what their individual role is to benefit the team as a whole.
That will be even truer for Shinzo Koroki in the semi-final, with injuries meaning the striker is likely to be shouldering the bulk of the scoring burden for Reds.
Only three Urawa players have found the net more than twice in this year’s AFC Champions League, and with both top scorer Rafael Silva (six goals) and Tadanari Lee (four), doubtful Koroki (also four) will need to make sure he doesn’t forget his shooting boots.
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com
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