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Kópavogsvöllur Stadium (Kópavogur, Iceland). Matchday 1 of the 2025 Deildin kicked off with Breiðablik hosting Afturelding. The home side emerged victorious in a dominant performance, securing all three points with a 2-0 win.

Both teams came into this opening fixture aiming to set the tone for the season. Breiðablik displayed tactical fluidity and attacking intent throughout the match, while Afturelding remained compact and disciplined, looking to strike on the counter.

Breiðablik, under a fluid tactical system, dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the game. Defensively, they operated in a compact 4-1-4-1 shape that limited Afturelding’s ability to build up centrally. In possession, they transitioned into a 3-4-3, forming a box midfield to create central overloads and control the rhythm of the match. A key element of this setup was Óli Valur Ómarsson, who frequently drifted inside from the front line to act as an additional midfielder — contributing to numerical superiority in central zones and linking play between the lines.

(Visual below: Breiðablik’s 3-4-3 attacking shape with Ómarsson stepping into midfield)

The second goal of the match perfectly encapsulated Breiðablik’s attacking structure. In the 32nd minute, Viktor Einarsson pulled out wide to the left flank during the buildup, providing width and isolating the opposition fullback. At the same time, Óli Valur Ómarsson intelligently drifted into a attacking midfield role.

This positional combination opened space down the flank for Einarsson to receive the ball and deliver a superb cross into the box. Tobias Thomsen timed his run well and met the delivery with a powerful header, beating the keeper and doubling Breiðablik’s lead.

(Image below: Breiðablik’s attacking shape during the second goal – Einarsson wide left, Ómarsson inside Visual shows how Breiðablik created width and a central overload in the same phase of play, leading to the goal)

For much of the first half, Afturelding defended in a low and compact 4-3-3 block, aiming to stay narrow, protect the central zones, and absorb pressure. This setup limited space between the lines, forcing Breiðablik to work the ball wide or rely on quick positional rotations to create gaps.

In the second half, Afturelding made a notable tactical adjustment, shifting into a 4-2-3-1 defensive shape. This change was designed to apply higher pressure on Breiðablik’s midfield and disrupt their build up earlier in possession. While it briefly unsettled Breiðablik’s rhythm, the home side’s composure and tactical flexibility eventually reasserted control.

(Image below: Afturelding’s defensive shapes – 4-3-3 block in the first half and 4-2-3-1 in the second Visual highlights how Afturelding’s structure evolved to apply more pressure higher up the pitch)

🌟 Players Who Stood Out

Anton Logi Lúðvíksson (Breiðablik), midfielder born 2003.
The deep-lying midfielder pulled the strings throughout the match. Great with both feet, calm under pressure, and tactically sharp. Anton set the tempo while also making runs into attacking spaces. His positioning and distribution were vital to Breiðablik’s midfield dominance.

Valgeir Valgeirsson (Breiðablik), right-back born 2002.
A modern right back who can play both traditionally and inverted. Valgeir was defensively alert, winning key interceptions, and drew a penalty thanks to his aggressive forward runs and smart reading of the game.

Georg Bjarnason (Afturelding), right-back born 1999.
Afturelding’s standout player on the day. The physically strong right back made several key blocks and didn’t shy away from pushing forward down the flank. His work rate and defensive consistency were vital in resisting Breiðablik’s pressure.