Wydad Casablanca’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign came to a premature end following their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Juventus, a loss compounded by Manchester City’s resounding 6–0 demolition of Al Ain.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe Moroccan giants were tactically brave in their approach against Juventus, but ultimately succumbed to a side that punished structural inefficiencies with clinical precision.Amine Benhachem’s tactical reshuffle, though adventurous, exposed key vulnerabilities that Juventus exploited effectively, particularly in transitions and wide overloads.AFC Leopards reveal dates and venue of Player Awards Gala and Cultural WeekStructural Reconfiguration: From Back Three to Adaptive FlexibilityAmine Benhachem shifted away from the 3-5-2 base formation that he had employed in the previous match against Manchester City.Against Juventus, he adopted a 4-4-2 base formation, but the structure flexed significantly between phases. Out of possession, Wydad operated in a 5-3-2 defensive block, with Nordin Amrabat tucking into the backline as a temporary wingback to form a five-man defence.In possession, the structure transitioned into a 3-5-2, as the fullbacks advanced and Amrabat assumed more advanced and fluid roles to support ball progression.##NAJAVA_MECA_8986696##This shape was likely a response to Juventus’ threat in wide zones and their use of a box midfield, but it proved to be a double-edged sword.While it gave Wydad numerical flexibility in different zones of the pitch, it also created inconsistencies in positioning, particularly in defensive transitions.Out of possession, Wydad’s 5-3-2 defensive shape was intended to block wide overloads and protect central zones. However, Amrabat’s lack of natural defensive instincts, especially under sustained pressure, was quickly exposed.Kenya Police reveal how players’ salaries will be increased after winning FKFPL titleJuventus frequently targeted his side, using diagonal switches and rotations to isolate him in one-versus-one situations. With limited support and poor recovery angles, Amrabat’s side became Wydad’s defensive weak link.Amrabat’s Complex Role in PossessionWhile Amrabat struggled defensively, he was central to Wydad’s attacking transitions and positional interchanges. Operating primarily from the right, he drifted laterally into the left half space and occasionally formed part of a temporary midfield three during offensive phases.This gave Wydad a flexible 3-5-2 shape in possession, with Guilherme Ferreira, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, and Bart Meijers forming the rest defence.##NAJAVA_MECA_8986691##Amrabat’s intelligence and positional awareness were best demonstrated in Wydad’s only goal of the match. In a moment that showcased his spatial adaptability, Amrabat drifted to the left side during a throw-in phase.Mohamed Moufid found Samuel Obeng with his throw in, who in turn located Amrabat in a pocket of space. The former Watford forward quickly slipped a ball into Thembinkosi Lorch, who had peeled off into the blind side of Juventus’ left centre-back.Lorch timed his run and finish perfectly, lifting the ball over the Juventus goalkeeper in a beautifully constructed sequence.AFC Leopards-linked defender bids emotional farewell after four-year KCB stintThis passage reflected Wydad’s intent to use switch passes and cross-field movement to exploit the gaps between Juventus’ wide centre-backs and wingbacks, a common vulnerability in a back-three system.Midfield Dynamics: Juventus Box Overpowers Wydad’s TrioOne of the most decisive tactical battles occurred in central midfield. Juventus operated with a box midfield, using a double pivot and two advanced midfielders that overloaded Wydad’s midfield three.Initially, Wydad’s trio, anchored by El Mehdi El Moubarik, supported by Thembinkosi Lorch and Samuel Obeng, struggled to cope with Juventus’ vertical rotations and third man runs through the half spaces.##NAJAVA_MECA_8986704##After Juventus’ second goal, Benhachem responded by pushing Nordin Amrabat higher into midfield in an attempt to restore parity in central numbers. While this adjustment briefly improved Wydad’s ball recoveries, it simultaneously weakened their right flank even further.Juventus quickly recognised the space behind Amrabat and continued to funnel attacks down their left, eventually finding repeated joy through overloads and cutbacks in that zone.Set Piece Defending and Structural AdjustmentsIn dead-ball situations, Wydad employed a man-to-man marking scheme, with physical defenders like Boutouil tasked with nullifying aerial threats.Michael Olunga on verge of signing for another Qatari clubWhile this approach avoided zonal confusion, it left them vulnerable to screening and blocking routines, which Juventus used to manipulate matchups and create separation on near-post runs.At halftime, Wydad made significant structural changes. Bart Meijers and Samuel Obeng were withdrawn, replaced by Selemani Mwalimu and Omar Al-Somah. This tactical reshuffle shifted Wydad’s attacking shape to a 4-2-4, with Mwalimu deployed on the left wing and Al-Somah leading the line centrally.##NAJAVA_MECA_8986727##The fullbacks were now instructed to push higher and support attacks, a strategy aimed at overwhelming Juventus in the final third. However, this offensive tilt compromised Wydad’s rest defence, leaving large vacated spaces in midfield and transition-prone flanks.Juventus exploited these spaces ruthlessly. With Wydad’s double pivot unable to shield the backline effectively and fullbacks caught high up the pitch, Juventus transitioned at speed, often through the central channels, catching Wydad’s defenders isolated and exposed.Tactical Mismatch and the Margin of DetailWydad’s defeat was not merely a result of poor execution but rather a reflection of the nuanced tactical gap between top European and African club football. The game exposed the difference in attention to detail, particularly in phase transitions, positional discipline, and in game adaptations.Gor Mahia soothe FKFPL title loss to Police FC with hundreds of thousandsWhile Benhachem’s ideas showed ambition, especially the usage of Amrabat as a roaming overload creator, the lack of positional discipline in defensive transitions and underdeveloped rest defence mechanisms left Wydad vulnerable.Juventus, by contrast, maintained structural integrity across all phases, manipulated Wydad’s shape through rotation, and executed their final third actions with efficiency.Take AwayWydad Casablanca’s early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup is a harsh outcome for a side that attempted to evolve tactically within the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_8986669##Benhachem’s shift from a 3-5-2 to a more fluid 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 hybrid reflected a desire to compete with more established tactical models, but the lack of balance, particularly in transitional defence and midfield duels, proved fatal.Amrabat’s dual role highlighted both the innovation and the risk within Wydad’s approach. His contributions in attack and in build-up were critical, but his defensive limitations were the fulcrum around which Juventus constructed their attacking plan.The second half switch to a more aggressive 4-2-4 shape only amplified the tactical risks, ultimately tilting the match decisively in Juventus’ favour.Millions Shabana FC banked from ticket sales in season finaleWydad exited the tournament with lessons on tactical scalability, transition control, and structural coherence. The experience underscores the increasing importance of game management, flexible structures, and detail-oriented execution in modern elite football.
