IMO the key to Barça's dominance in #ElClasico was the QUALITY of the build-up & the PATIENCE to move the ball until finding a free man in midfield. Also, Real Madrid's disjointed pressing helped.
The risks taken by Ter Stegen & both CBs in build-up, not releasing the ball until attracting an opponent then using 3rd man combinations, were the key. For a team who wanted to press in that 1st half, RMA's defensive line was too deep & their block not compact at all.
Barça's build-up is so so good now that IMO you either take risks & press high as a unit, man-to-man, pushing 1 of the CBs vs 1 of Barça's mids, OR you stick to a deep-medium block & focus on reducing spaces in your DF third.
RMA did none.
RMA did none.
When Ancelotti adjusted & paired 1 of the CBs w/ 1 of Barça's mids, Barça's midfield became more mobile, less positional (move the opponent around, disorganize their block & create space for a teammate) and the space left by the former was exploited through more direct passing...
(see Busi Piqué & Co playing accurate through balls, specially for Ferran (left side) & Fdj's forward runs.)
After re-watching the game, I understand why Xavi said he expected a tougher game. RMA's pressing was not synchronized, lacked intensity & easily bypassed.
After re-watching the game, I understand why Xavi said he expected a tougher game. RMA's pressing was not synchronized, lacked intensity & easily bypassed.
An example of what is explained in the previous 2 tweets :
- Militao gets out of the DF line to mark Pedri.
- Fdj makes a forward run, not followed by Casemiro.
- Éric García plays an accurate long ball. #ElClasico
- Militao gets out of the DF line to mark Pedri.
- Fdj makes a forward run, not followed by Casemiro.
- Éric García plays an accurate long ball. #ElClasico
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