A classic is always a classic. But it will be even more so because it can be definitive or almost definitive for the resolution of the League. A Barça victory would leave the championship practically closed, while a Real Madrid victory would reopen the fight. These are my 5 tactical keys for this great game:
The absence of Pedri is an important limitation both for Barcelona and for Xavi who will have to decide how this affects the tactical structure. The coach must handle two different possibilities: opt for the 4-3-3 giving entry to a pure winger (Ferran Torres or Ansu Fati) or maintain the format with four midfielders. For this second option, the most probable, Xavi mainly has two possibilities: have Sergi Roberto or Kessié.
All the variants have their logic and their probabilities but, in my opinion, the formula of four on the inside with Sergi Roberto is the one that I see as most feasible. In this case, another issue will be who occupies each height because although it is true that the Busquets-De Jong couple has always been on the platform of the square, it is not necessary to rule out seeing the Dutchman above. A possibility that Xavi already tried against Valencia.
Real Madrid changed their usual game plan in the last classic, opting for a much more active version. The madridistas raised their pressure line very high to condition the release of the blaugrana ball. And Barça was not comfortable. Partly because Ancelotti’s men coordinated well, partly because some decisive players were missing for Xavi. For tonight no context can be ruled out since Madrid may be predisposed to press but also contemplative to choose to run to the transitions. And one of the important points will be that Barça is prepared to overcome any of these two match plans.
The second line of Madrid finds it difficult to return to its position. It is not predisposed for short retraction and it shows. Reason why all the entrances of the Barcelona interiors can be an important offensive weapon. This is precisely how Kessié’s goal came about in the last victory at the Bernabéu. Barça have to come from behind to surprise in the area and finish.
Any chance of victory for Barça depends on being good defensively. In the first place, in the individual face-to-face in the last line (Araújo vs. Vinícius, Koundé-Christensen vs. Benzema, Balde vs. Valverde or Rodrygo). Then, in guarding to avoid Madrid’s magnificent fast transitions and, finally, in protection coverage. If Barça is active and methodical in all this, it will be solid again and will minimize a large part of the dangers of the opponent. Against big teams there is always room for individual talent to break the solidity but it is always much more difficult.
The white side is not in a good moment. Neither with the ball nor without it. If he is pressed well, his area is susceptible to recovering up but his area will be, above all, an ideal place to unbalance. So Balde and Gavi have to face him whenever they can. Insisting on face-to-face will ensure the Barça team create scoring chances.
