The channel that closes after a substitution 🧠

Inter's 3-5-2 with Diouf and Dimarco pushing high leaves the space behind the wing-backs for the opposite winger. Watch how Roma attacked that zone early, Molina arriving alone at the far post for the first goal.

When Inter brought on Carlos Augusto for Dimarco after 53 minutes, the left side sat deeper. That changed where Roma could progress. The channel that had been open was now covered, so Roma had to go through the middle where Zielinski and Barella were waiting.

Look at the full-back's first step after the switch. Does he follow the runner or hold the line?

One substitution can erase a passing lane before the ball ever arrives.

Question: When a wing-back is replaced, do you watch the new player's starting position or the space he leaves behind?