Barça will face a match of vital importance tonight. Due to the moment of certain doubts that the team is experiencing and because, if they win, they can virtually certify the first place in the group. And that would be an important injection of confidence for the Blaugrana team and will mean temporarily putting the European competition on hold. Here my keys for this meeting:
The most relevant note of the Vallecas match was De Jong’s positional change. The Dutchman acted more on the starting platform of the game than is usual. Taking into account that the first leg was one of the games in which Barça had the worst time to begin with, it would not be ruled out to see them there again tonight. We will see if Porto comes out with the same spirit to push high up top but the influence and height in Frenkie De Jong’s game could be capital.
In the first leg, Porto created a lot of danger from two against one in which the player who went deep was the one on the inside lane and not the one on the wing. The Blaugrana team inadequately defended this type of action as it turned three players too wide, freeing up excessive entry space. Something that has to be corrected tonight by only using two players to defend.
It will be important for Barça to be very coordinated in their pressure today. Something that has not been achieved much in recent weeks. And Porto is a very pressureable team in the wide zone. Because it insists on the inside pass from center backs or sides and because the midfielders almost always try to provide continuity to the game. Due to the situation of the Portuguese team, the center backs will be unusual and may be more imprecise. In fact, just like that came Ferran Torres’ goal in the Portuguese fiefdom that gave the Blaugrana team three points. Pressing well and sustainably can also be key.
Barça has to be clear that it must arrive with opposing wingers and full-backs because it is very difficult for the wingers in Sergio Conciençao’s team to retreat back. They even disconnect from the play if it happens on the opposite side. In addition, he arrives with the defense in a box and it is difficult for him to have established mechanisms. That the centers look for the far post tonight could be an action that gives Barça offensive things. It is vital to take it into account in each offensive evolution of the team.
Galeno already showed in the first leg that he is the most dangerous player in the Portuguese team. Starting on the left wing of the 4-4-2, he created danger in almost every action he faced. Three goals, two assists and several chances generated so far this season certify his offensive production capacity.
Also pay attention to Evanilson. In recent weeks, the Brazilian has been taking turns at the point of attack with Taremi. Agile, with good oriented controls, with a nose for goal and, above all, with a very remarkable shot.
And finally, you always have to pay special attention to Taremi himself. Because he is a man of many goals. Three goals and three assists between the Portuguese League and the Champions League so far. Barça will always have to have him referenced, especially when the ball is close to the area.