This is how you win more matches in Division Rivals and Weekend League

It can be tough to start winning consistently on FIFA/EAFC 25, especially when you're on a losing streak during a rough period in the game. As a pro player, experiencing setbacks is part of the journey, but don’t worry better times will come. A friend of mine recently asked me how to win more matches in FC25 to improve his team and challenge better opponents. While mastering your attacking game is essential, having a well-rounded strategy that combines solid defending, tactical awareness, and the effective execution of set pieces will truly set you apart. So, here are some tips to help you win more matches and rank up in Division Rivals and Weekend League.

First-Time Lob/Through Balls: L1 + Triangle / LB + Y Button

Personally, I believe this is a game-changer if you can start incorporating it into your gameplay. Adding this skill set to your playing style will provide you with a fresh perspective you might not have considered before. These passes help you exploit spaces in your opponent’s defense, especially when they’re pressing high. Use L1 + Triangle (PlayStation) or LB + Y (Xbox) to execute perfectly timed through balls that can send your forwards on a clean break towards goal. Timing is everything, so watch for the perfect moment to deliver the ball when your striker is making a run past the backline. I would say that for beginner's, it's a bit hard for them to start using this skill if they are still learning the basic fundamentals of the game.

As for advanced players, this is a skill that they should use since it will help you get more clear chances in front of goal and eventually score more goals.. Also, for a better use of this skill, you should have the players, especially a midfielder with a Pinged Pass + playstyle so when the first time lob through ball is made, the pass is executed perfectly to the attacker with a clear goal scoring opportunity.

Stay Calm and Defend with Your CDM/CMs Without Rushing

Staying calm during matches can be challenging, especially when everything seems to go against you. This is not just a challenge for beginners or advanced players, it applies to everyone, including pros. Patience is a critical element in FIFA/EAFC, as losing composure often leads to careless passes, defenders being pulled out of position, and rushed tackles.

To maintain control, avoid rushing individual players and focus on working as a team. Use your Central Defensive Midfielders (CDMs) or Central Midfielders (CMs) to control the midfield and delay your opponent’s attack. Instead of diving into tackles, use jockeying with L2 (PS5) or LT (Xbox) to block passing lanes and regain possession without leaving gaps in your defense. Staying composed under pressure is essential for keeping your defense organized and controlling the match.

The Use of Timed Finishing

This tool is not easy execute if you have never tried playing with it before. Personally, I do not use it but I suggest you to start using it if you are able to do it on time as it will guarantee you more goals and eventually win more matches. Timed finishing can drastically improve your shot accuracy and increase your chances of scoring. Timed finishing can be done by pressing the shoot button again just as your player connects with the ball. This requires practice to master it, but once mastered, it adds a level of precision that is not the same as assisted normal shooting. Use this feature for 1 on 1 opportunities, long shots, volleys, and finesse shots to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

For beginners, Timed Finishing might not be the best skill to focus on in the beginning, as there are other fundamental techniques that should take priority. This skill requires you to perfectly time your shots to score and if you mistime it (red timing), your shot will lack power or will go widely off target. For advanced players, however, it can be easier to learn since many of them already use it or are actively practicing on mastering it.

Using Second Man Press

The second-man press is a tool that requires precision to use it effectively. Be careful when using it since it reduces the stamina if you use it constantly, also it can leave large gaps in your defense, making it easy for opponents to find a simple pass and score. To do the second man press, hitR1 (PS5) or RT (Xbox) while controlling your player. This causes another teammate to press the same opponent's player, while your controlled player focuses on intercepting passes. This strategy limits the opponent's space and increases the chances of forcing a mistake or regaining possession, but it must be used wisely to avoid compromising your defensive line.

From my perspective, I use it frequently because it helps me win the ball more often and capitalize on mistakes or poor passes from my opponents. However, it can sometimes work against you, leaving open gaps in defense and potentially leading to conceding more goals. On the positive side, winning the ball allows for quick counterattacks, creating more scoring opportunities and, ultimately, increasing your chances of winning more games.

Use the Right Formation and Tactics

Choosing the right formations and tactics is crucial for success in the game. This isn’t applicable to beginners or advanced players only, it’s relevant to everyone, including PRO players. To select the best formation, you need to experiment with different formations and take guidance from PRO players and YouTubers. There isn’t a single “correct” formation; it’s a matter of trial and error to determine which one suits your style of defending and attacking.

Tactics and formations work hand-in-hand, forming a consistent strategy for your team that ultimately helps you win more matches. If you’re unsure about which formation to use because you’re struggling to defend or attack, I recommend trying the 4-4-2. It provides a good balance between defense and attack, with options like one of the full-backs pushing forward to support the attackers. Alternatively, if defense is your primary concern, consider the 5-2-2-1. This formation reinforces your backline, with midfielders sitting deep to close gaps and intercept passes, making it a strong option for maintaining defensive stability.

Practice Finishing and Set Pieces

Becoming proficient at finishing and set pieces is essential for turning opportunities into goals. From my personal experience, I've made significant progress in set pieces this year, especially with dangerous free kicks. I focused on training them regularly in the practice arena, experimenting with different angles and positions, and ultimately executing them into the back of the net. Finishing is especially important if you tend to feel pressure when you're in front of goal. The same as with set pieces, go into practice mode and dedicate some time to improve your finishing. Try shooting from outside the box, in 1-on-1 situations, from different angles, and practice beating the keeper with simple skills such as the ball roll.

Also, work on corner situations by testing different corner tactics to see which ones work best. If you have a player with a Finesse Shot+ trait, consider trying short corners with pass the ball to the player and then hit the finesse shot, which gives you a higher chance of scoring. It's crucial to master different shot types, such as finesse shots and power strikes, so you can adapt to different in-game situations. A well-practiced set piece can often be the deciding factor in tight matches.

Understand Your Player's Strengths

Understanding your players' traits is crucial for taking the next step in becoming a better player and winning more matches in Division Rivals and Weekend League. This applies to all players, as knowing and understanding your players' strengths is key to utilizing them effectively in-game. It’s important to know how to position them tactically on the pitch, such as deciding who should advance and who should stay back.

I suggest including fast players with high agility, as they will help you be quicker in all aspects of the game. In the midfield, if you're using a formation with two midfielders, have one with an attacking mindset who can push forward and support the attack, while the other stays back to cover any possible counterattacks if you lose possession. Also, make sure to take advantage of your players' traits, as this will allow you to play to the game's meta.

The same principle applies to defenders and full-backs. It’s important to understand which full-back is better suited for attacking and which is more defensive, ensuring the right balance with your center-backs. Always make the right decisions before buying a player, and ensure their strengths align with what you need to improve your team and win more matches.

Other great advice to win more

Another tip for winning more matches is to strategically choose the times you play Division Rivals and Weekend League. Casual players typically play in the evenings, making it an ideal time to gain more wins as you’re more likely to be matched with players at your skill level, increasing your chances of winnings. For the Weekend League, consider saving most of your matches for Sunday. At this time, you’re more likely to play players who forfeit matches to quickly complete their placements. Additionally, many players are eager to finish their remaining games, so scoring one or two goals may encourage them to quit, giving you quicker wins.

A controversial but effective strategy when you are winning is to keep the ball as much as you can, as this can frustrate your opponent, especially in the end of the match. To further improve your squad, make sure to stay up to date on Futbin, which provides the latest SBC releases and updates. Additionally, it allows you to check the playstyles of specific players, making it easier to compare and choose the ideal player for your squad.If you’re feeling uncertain or need guidance, platforms like Discord Server Pandas OF EAFC and Reddit are always there to help you. You can ask questions, seek advice, and get help from the community to make better decisions and improvements for your team.

Conclusion

As a pro FIFA/EA FC player, all the tips mentioned above are crucial to my gameplay. By applying these strategies, they’ve certainly helped me win more matches and improve my team. If you're aiming to win more matches, these tips are the way forward. There’s nothing worse than losing, and I completely understand if you're struggling with a lot of losses. However, if you adapt to the tips, I’m confident you’ll be back to winning in no time.

I hope that these tips will help you improve and win more matches in Division Rivals and Weekend League. Keep following GameChampions for the latest updates and more exciting content.