Tactical analysis proposition : FC Barcelona 🔵🔴 - Espanyol 🔵⚪️
[THREAD]
[THREAD]
![Tactical analysis proposition : FC Barcelona 🔵🔴 - Espanyol 🔵⚪️
[THREAD] https://t.co/t1l4JjqnDl](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEzoRvmXMAIpgxB.jpg)
In Barca’s mid 3rd, Espanyol had the objective to duplicate Barca’s 4-3-3, in order to avoid any merci am superiority, and second to not let players in half spaces.
This was very hard to maintain for Espanyol.
This was very hard to maintain for Espanyol.
Xavi’s tactical intentions were clear: wingers wide, interiors up in half spaces.
We have seen during that 1st period, a global half space dominance from Barca.
We have seen during that 1st period, a global half space dominance from Barca.
It is important for Xavi to have that 2-3-5 in opponent’s attacking third, because Memphis navigates where the ball is and create short passing circuits.
David Lopez slide into 3rd central defender as soon as Barca had the ball in this area to manmark Memphis.
David Lopez slide into 3rd central defender as soon as Barca had the ball in this area to manmark Memphis.
Xavi’s first demand is to be in constant numerical superiority in buildup. In many possession phases, we saw 3V1, 3V2, 4V1.
With wingers looking for width, Espanyol FBs have to stretch lines and are forced to open space opportunities.
With wingers looking for width, Espanyol FBs have to stretch lines and are forced to open space opportunities.
Barca players also put high density to take the ball back, in the contrary of Koeman who preferred replacement.
Another argument of ball dominance purpose here.
Another argument of ball dominance purpose here.
Defensive weaknesses don’t change in couple of days. That’s why Lopez or Cabrera didn’t hesitate to play long balls.
This is a real issue, due to wring defense alignment (1st photo: Eric Garcia should have been the landmark). Espanyol’ swingers ran behind a lot.
This is a real issue, due to wring defense alignment (1st photo: Eric Garcia should have been the landmark). Espanyol’ swingers ran behind a lot.
When the line of 5 is stuck between the two lines, it is very difficult to deal with the distance you should apply between them.
We frequently saw that passing angle open for Pique -Memphis’ combination
We frequently saw that passing angle open for Pique -Memphis’ combination
Again : ball dominance for Barca’s CBs to initiate build-up, which was facilitated by the low positioning from Espanyol’s line. R. De Tomas alone, he can’t manmark Busquets, and midfielders didn’t accompany him.
Lopez had the difficult job to jump on Memphis each time Garcia or Pique made a vertical pass. But passing circuit (CB-Memphis-Busquets) allow one of the two interiors to do the opposite move and run in behind thanks to the space created.
With interiors finally attacking higher on the pitch, passing circuits have been made easier, to launch FBs and create chances.
We can point out excellent Ilias curved move to receive the cross.
We can point out excellent Ilias curved move to receive the cross.
Raul de Tomas was the biggest threat for Barca’s defensive organization. From drop offs to progressive runs, he always had 2 passing options. Alba understood the strategy and anticipated Tomas’ switches.
Espanyol’s 5-4-1 in defensive phase faced the same issue than their 4-1-4-1 in offensive phase: R. de Tomas isolated and the line of 4 too low.
Barca frequently ended up in numerical superiority to catalyze build up.
Barca frequently ended up in numerical superiority to catalyze build up.
Be in numerical superiority induces never let the opponent in numerical superiority. Darder tried to drop off, but Nico Gonzalez tracked him to be in a 3v3
Besides, Darder has strong skills (Verratti’s pattern) in the way to drop off to attract two players and suddenly change direction.
The consequence what I told before is illustrated here : Espanyol’s FBs forced to stretch the line => spaces created for interiors.
Half space management was the biggest issue for Espanyol
De Jong ready to attack the space after build up (1st photo) or Busquets peculiarly alone (Lopez frustrated by that)
De Jong ready to attack the space after build up (1st photo) or Busquets peculiarly alone (Lopez frustrated by that)
Ilias has relevant 1v1 skills, but sometimes has a lack of cold blood in the last pass, but he made a very interesting half with and off the ball.
As Barca put high density to take the ball back, Espanyol implemented many circuits to espace from this intense counter pressing, to find at the end R de Tomas, trying to switch game zone.
Abde made the same half as Ilias : strong 1v1 skills, excellent runs in behind, but lack of cold blood in the last pass near the penalty box.
Espanyol has also changed its off ball animation (offensively and defensively) in second half : 4-1-4-1 but with a higher line of 4, and a 4-4-2 in defensive phase, to try to avoid interiors to navigate in half spaces.
We saw a less dominant Barca since that.
We saw a less dominant Barca since that.
To conclude, first game of Xavi gave us many promising phases, but the biggest one was to attack half spaces w/ prog. passes and runs
Espanyol had a too defensive approach and facilitate Barca’s build up and combinations.
Espanyol had a too defensive approach and facilitate Barca’s build up and combinations.
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