Leverkusen smart set piece goal vs Schalke

Bayer Leverkusen’s opener against Schalke this weekend was another example of a goal derived from a thoughtful set piece routine:

However, there’s no elaborate system of false runs and screening blocks for this one. Instead, Leverkusen decide to make life as awkward as possible for the opposition goalkeeper by denying him space.

As the corner is about to be delivered, there are 5 Leverkusen attackers and 7 Schalke defenders inside the 6-yard box along with goalkeeper Alexander Nübel. By committing so many defenders to help out the GK, Schalke have also left themselves 4 vs 2 on the edge of the box.

The camera angle from the touchline shows the mass of players in front of the ‘keeper and illustrates how difficult it would be for him to come and claim the ball:

Anything dropped in to the front post is a lost cause for Nübel. The eventual goalscorer, Luca Alario (13) is the player stationed closest to the line in front of the ‘keeper.

As the ball comes in, the Leverkusen players shimmy together out towards the edge of the 6-yard box, creating a wall of bodies that prevents Alexander Nübel from getting off the ground properly. Alario is able to get up above the goalkeeper to nod the ball into the back of the net.

Also note the position of Charles Aránguiz (number 20) who peels off towards the far post to mop up any overhit deliveries or anything that gets flicked on.

Not an especially sophisticated routine here, but one that is based on solid principles, executed effectively.