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VERTEX: 3-2-5 / Press, Possess, Punish - BVB Inspired [V4 New Update 03.01]

UPDATE: A modern 3-2-5 masterpiece. Testet with BVB, Frankfurt, ManCity, and Barca, won title with all of them, UCL with ManCity and Barca (also tested with smaller teams, 1st with Brighton, 2nd with Werder in BL)

By Updated on Jan 03, 2026   207026 views   27 comments
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Downloads: 58599 / Size: 1.6 kB / Added: 2025-10-24
Football Manager 2026 Tactics - VERTEX: 3-2-5 / Press, Possess, Punish - BVB Inspired [V4 New Update 03.01]
In this V4, I have finally adapted the tactics to the new match engine. We continue to play very offensive soccer in a 3-2-5 formation, although with the advancing center back, we almost play in a 2-3-5 formation. The fullbacks should stand closer together, as the central midfielders are constantly looking for depth and pushing into the spaces, and we are still well covered in the center. While the fullback away from the ball provides width and waits for runs to the baseline, the fullback closer to the ball moves in more. The deep-lying striker repeatedly opens up space for players running in, both for the central midfielders and the wingers. The two center backs provide cover and the advancing center back repeatedly offers himself as a passing option.

Against the ball, the central midfielders then move into the defensive midfield, with the three center backs forming a strong block in the middle. The fullbacks also drop back into defense, leaving the opponents almost no space on the wings. We are very active in counter-pressing. Defenders repeatedly break away to help out against the ball.
I am very, very happy with this tactic. We play very dominantly in attack, often with 60-70 percent possession and a high xG value as well as many goals. Nevertheless, we do not neglect our defense. I look forward to your feedback!

Tactic Screenshots





Older Versions (V2 and V3 below!

Tactic testing with Barca:


Testing with BVB:


Testing with Eintracht Frankfurt


I tested the tactic with BVB, Eintracht Frankfurt, ManCity, and Barcelona by going on vacation and letting the season simulate itself. I won the league with all of them, and the Champions League with ManCity and Barca. Eintracht and BVB were both eliminated in the semifinals.
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Data with BVB:



Data with Barca


Expect high pass accuracy, relentless pressing, plenty of goals, and a rock-solid defense that gives the opponent almost no chances. Perfect for those who love possession-based domination with attacking full-backs.



Old Version V2: Download V2

Old Version V3: Download V3

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Downloads: 58599 / Size: 1.6 kB / Added: 2025-10-24
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Discussion: VERTEX: 3-2-5 / Press, Possess, Punish - BVB Inspired [V4 New Update 03.01]

27 comments have been posted so far.

  • Tuoppi's avatar
    Vertex 3-2-5
    The ACB keeps getting caught up too high.
  • TopaPapa's avatar
    The results clearly show that this tactic is fundamentally flawed. Despite the theoretical ideas behind it, the on-pitch performance has been consistently poor, with a long run of draws and underwhelming results against both strong and average opposition. The team struggles to control matches, lacks attacking fluidity, and fails to impose any real dominance, which is especially unacceptable given the squad quality.

    In practice, the system does not translate into effective possession, pressure, or chance creation. Build-up play is slow and predictable, transitions are weak, and the overall structure collapses too easily under pressure. The fixture list makes it painfully obvious that this approach is not competitive at the required level.

    In its current form, this tactic is simply not working and needs a complete rethink rather than minor tweaks. The results are not unlucky or marginal — they are a direct consequence of a system that does not function as intended.

    The results: https://imgur.com/a/pvHqIVH
  • joeplayg1@gmail.com's avatar
    To be honest, I've tried many tactics, and I think this one is the best. (In my personal opinion.)
  • Bobdgy123's avatar
    Tactic is bad too inconsistent with results
  • morkri90's avatar
    Bad..
    1
  • okan60's avatar
    versiyon 3.0 gayet başarılı 3.0 versiyondaki rolleri değiştirmeden daha fazla ne yapabiliriz.Taktik için teşekkürler
  • alearg's avatar
    Ok listen sir. i was with glandbach and this tactic got me the championship. now im at dortmund using the same tactic and glandbach still plays the same tactic so you have the responsibility of making a counter tactic. i dont care how just do it. Just kidding man i love this tactic, amazing.
    1
  • Kingfish94's avatar
    Hey Mat, the v2 download wont let me import when I load it in game, v3 is working though, could you reupload v2?
  • Xeylom76's avatar
    I also like version 2.0 a bit better at the moment, and it also fits the BVB squad better.
  • Flourix's avatar
    I think it might be because this FM26 it's good to have a defensive version as well as a offensive version for when you need to score goals and when you need to defend your points. So you can change to defensive version when you have your leads in games at least. If tactic is already good offensive, I think you can skip making a even more offensive one. I will test it next season with underdog team in low league.
  • mat17109's avatar
    Building tactics is so frustrating in FM26 (in beta). Whenever I think a tactic is working well, it doesn't work again in another test season with a different or the same team; the games are really very inconsistent. But I'm continuing to work on it to build you a good, consistent tactic. Please don't hesitate to give me feedback!
  • mat17109's avatar
    @Gutszii:
    Thanks for your feedback. I'm testing it right now. For some reason, I'm not getting consistent results. In one game, I win 7-0 with Eintracht Frankfurt against Bayern, then I lose without a chance against clubs like Mönchengladbach. It's very strange, but I'll keep trying.
    1
  • Gutszii's avatar
    I think version 2 works better

    AWB is OP
    1
  • RepeatSZN's avatar
    any chance we can get screenshots of everything, as im unable to load tactics into the game atm :(
  • mat17109's avatar
    Hi guys, thanks for your feedback. After a few days of further testing and watching entire games, I have a few more improvements for the tactics. I'll test them further and if everything goes well, I'll upload them tonight.
    1
  • Korbn's avatar
    Just brilliant tactics, love the 3 man defence, so solid. Salah loves this tactics, scores a LOT of goals.
  • Maxmaster5000's avatar
    Screenshots on how the tactic looks would help :)
  • ChrisMachine's avatar
    THIS is a killer tactic! I've replayed an UEL away game against Besiktas 7 times with different tactics. First time using this tactic, and IT WORKS!

    Awesome bro!!
  • SENTEXZ's avatar
    not working, constant lose with ManU, even vs Wolves :/
  • touchofheaven's avatar
    works with milan, thx
    2
  • NotoriousLuca's avatar
    works for me
    1
  • mat17109's avatar
    Hey guys, I've re-uploaded the Takitik. It should work now, but if not, let me know.
    1
  • Baschikaki's avatar
    Please re upload
    1
  • Xeylom76's avatar
    Yes pls re upload
    1
  • Korbn's avatar
    would love to try this one, but file is broken.
    1

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