Tactical analysis proposition : Sevilla 🔴⚪️ - Barcelona 🔵🔴
Sevilla implemented a pressing structure which encouraged Barca’s interiors (Gavi or F De Jong) to drop deep and let more space for midfielders in build up.
Ocampos-Gomez could jump on fullbacks (1st photo) or block central defenders (2nd photo).
Ocampos-Gomez could jump on fullbacks (1st photo) or block central defenders (2nd photo).
But Barca responded with a suffocating pressing, organized with two forwards making the first line of pressure, and the second one w/ interiors manmarking midfielders to prevent low build up.
This Barca’s 4-1-4-1 animation designed to face Sevilla’s build up was accurate in the way to let one the two interiors (mostly De Jong) accompany Ferran and jump out on ball carrier, with wingers ready to press width.
Even if Barca dominance in build up was clear, Rakitic’ role to get sticked to Busquets has been very well executed, constraining sometimes Barca to cancel its passing scheme (which automatically functions w/ Sergio) and retreat.
Barca alternated its pressing structure, to not being predictable. Dembele replaced by Gavi accompanying Jutgla, and wingers (Abde-Dembele) focusing on Rekik and Kounde. This forced Diego Carlos or Fernando to kick the ball out.
Sevilla, with that structure, had troubles to find passing angles, as Barca interiors dictated the right time to jump out with coordination. Jutgla made also interesting runs…
But sometimes made wrong choices in the last pass. Rekik laxity in his defensive replacement, D.Carlos didn’t slide to cover Dembele’s excellent run. However, Jutgla preferred to shoot rather than passing the ball.
When Sevilla rarely managed to escape from that excellent pressing, Lopetegui used Papu Gomez to attack central space, to receive the ball and constrain Busquets to press on him.
However, Barca controlled half space and catalyze build up was difficult for Sevillian.
However, Barca controlled half space and catalyze build up was difficult for Sevillian.
Sevilla didn’t hesitate to put extra man in penalty box to stretch defensive line as wide as possible to face Xavi’s 2-3-5 in offensive third.
This allowed De Jong to penetrate penalty box (right zone) to receive crosses. We have seen this pattern many times.
This allowed De Jong to penetrate penalty box (right zone) to receive crosses. We have seen this pattern many times.
Even if Barca took the ball back quickly thanks to that 2-3 pressing structure, Sevilla kept that build up pattern.
I really appreciate teams who don’t deny their philosophy.
I really appreciate teams who don’t deny their philosophy.
Barca movements were the key to dismantle Sevilla’s defensive harmony. Jutgla dropping off wingers runs in behind, interiors dominating half spaces. As Eric Garcia stood in a high position, his vertical passes were precise and dangerous.
As Sevilla 4-5-1 off the ball left few space b/w the lines, Barca implemented a willing sterile possession to force double pivot to jump out, so interiors can penetrate in half space (blue arrow). Yet, only FB / Wingers jumped out when Barca pushed wide (depending on ⚽️ location)
Sevilla consequently changed its way to build up: Delaney dropped off as central defender, to allow J.Jordan to replace his initial position and anticipate Barca’s pressing to open passing angles.
Other objective : dropping off as left central defender to attract Dembele so Delaney can attack space created and progress vertically, to target Rafa Mir with passes…
Or crosses (Barca has frequently troubles to deal with opponent’s possession in that zone)
One of the most relevant difference since Xavi has arrived, is the defensive alignement facing through balls. We knew Barca had some issues to deal with its defensive alignment, especially on the right lane. Improvements have to be underlined.
While De Jong is preparing to stand in his offensive position, ball carrier has many drop offs in front of him, always in a purpose to get positional advantage in half spaces (blue zone).
Sevilla corners heatmap is quite balance :
55% to the second post
45% to the first post
0% of them have been played short. Barca has been surprised by that combination (screen to allow Papu to jump into the 1st post)
55% to the second post
45% to the first post
0% of them have been played short. Barca has been surprised by that combination (screen to allow Papu to jump into the 1st post)
Dembele did a fantastic game, but the most interesting part was the way he used width to force Rekik to jump, or escape from an agressive pressing (sometimes 3v1) to end up as #10.
Unfortunate that sometimes he lacked numerical support (De Jong).
Unfortunate that sometimes he lacked numerical support (De Jong).
Same way against Espanyol with Raul de Tomas, Barca will have to find a way to prevent wingers who like to end up in a withdrawn position to orientate the game with dangerous passes. Papu Gomez does that frequently.
Sevilla kind of duplicated Barca’s pressing structure in first half, but Barca brilliantly escaped from it thanks to long ball accuracy from Garcia or Piqué.
Gavi’s utilization panel is impressive.
Off the ball, he can lead pressing with a striker position, to allow Garcia to step up and man marking #6.
With the ball, he likes running from a wide position to attack central space and doing vertical passes.
Off the ball, he can lead pressing with a striker position, to allow Garcia to step up and man marking #6.
With the ball, he likes running from a wide position to attack central space and doing vertical passes.
Dembele has also made good progress on his replacement. If Araujo presses high, quick drop off to maintain defensive structure.
As @markrstats excellent graph shows, Barca has a high defensive line position, and added to the fact players moves towards spaces to dismantle that solid low block, it was interesting to analyze.
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