In a match that promised fireworks but ended in a stalemate, José Riveiro’s Al Ahly delivered a tactical masterclass to frustrate a star-studded Inter Miami side led by Lionel Messi.
While the scoreboard remained untouched, the Egyptian champions should have won the match, but Trezeguet missed a first-half penalty that could have sealed a famous win for the Riveiro’s charges.
Riveiro joined Al Ahly from Orlando Pirates shortly before the Club World Cup and is already showcasing his tactical acumen on the global stage.
Riveiro’s Compact 4-3-3
Riveiro set up Al Ahly in a disciplined 4-3-3, with a clear emphasis on defensive structure, pressing triggers, and transitional control. The midfield trio of Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, and Ben Romdhane operated as a cohesive unit, cutting off supply lines to Messi and Suarez, while the back four maintained a high level of positional awareness.
A first-half injury to Al Ahly’s central playmaker Emam Ashour disrupted Riveiro’s tactical setup and forced an early substitution. The change affected midfield fluidity, but Al Ahly adapted well, maintaining their shape and continuing to frustrate Inter Miami.
Key tactical elements included:
- Midfield Zoning: Riveiro instructed his midfield to form a tight triangle around Busquets, denying him time and space to dictate tempo.
- Wide Containment: Fullbacks Mohamed Hany and Ahmed Kouka were tasked with limiting overlaps from Noah Allen and Ian Fray, forcing Miami to play narrow.
- Counter-Pressing Traps: Al Ahly’s forwards—Trezeguet, Wessam Ali, and Hamdy Fathy —pressed in coordinated waves, forcing Miami into rushed clearances and turnovers.
DENYING MESSI SPACE AND TIME
Al Ahly absorbed early pressure with composure in the opening stanza and forcing Messi to drop deep to escape the midfield press, but found little joy against Attia’s relentless marking.
Riveiro introduced Zizo and Aliou Dieng to reinforce midfield control. This allowed Al Ahly to push slightly higher, creating two promising counterattacks—one of which saw Trezeguet’s shot narrowly miss the far post.
Inter Miami pushed for a winner, but Al Ahly’s defensive line, marshaled by the evergreen skipper and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, held firm.
RIVEIRO TACTICAL MASTERPLAN
While the match ended 0-0, it was a showcase of tactical maturity and discipline from Riveiro who won five trophies with Orlando Pirates and also finished unbeaten in the CAF Champions League group phase.
He neutralized Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez without resorting to “parking the bus” as his side maintained shape, pressed intelligently, and showed composure under pressure.
This performance not only earned Jose Riveiro’s charges a valuable point but also sent a statement to the rest of Group A.
Riveiro’s next match will be against Brazilian side Palmeiras on June 18, kickoff is 18:00 CAT live broadcast on SuperSport and DAZN.
