After the setback in the Super Cup, Barça faces the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey in what is an important match for the Blaugranas. And the current situation does not allow for more surprises and, the Copa del Rey in one match, always has a component of difficulty no matter who the rival is. Here are my 5 tactical keys for this match:
To begin with, an important issue will be how Barça faces the clash. The inferior entity of the rival can cause the team to come out with a point of relaxation that would be dangerous. In this type of match, it is important to get ahead on the scoreboard so that everything flows better and to make the opponent lose momentum. In this sense, the model to follow has to be the recent match against Barbastro where, although the Blaugranas had problems closing the game, the entry to the tie was one of the best of the season. Today it is non-negotiable to go out to the maximum. Even more so, after the Super Cup Final. We will see what decisions Xavi makes for an eleven in which Pedri, Cancelo, Araujo, or Lamine will surely not be there.
After his debut in Las Palmas and not having any minutes against Madrid, one of the great motivations for today will be to see Vitor Roque in action from the start. And it is very likely that the Brazilian will play in his ideal position, that of nine. His entry has to be gradual and his fit gradual, but he is an attacker who can contribute very interesting things to the team. Starting point to see how he adapts to the new context as well as for the midfielders to get involved with his constant breaks into space.
The match is going to give many game situations in the final third and with the rival buried in their own area. This will mean circulation or semi-circulation on the balcony of the area and with many rivals behind the ball. This is when Barça has to know how to combine the threat of the shot with the filtered passes to generate clear chances. This combination is what makes the opposing defense not know how to act and leaves space, either for the average shot or to generate clear chances.
One of the points that the team has to prioritize today is not to make any type of license to the rival if the game is on track. That is to say, what happened in Barbastro does not happen, where a controlled match went out of control due to some unnecessary corners or lateral fouls being awarded and with which the opponent managed to close the gap. Managing the advantage is an essential virtue in all teams that end up winning titles and, if Barça wants to achieve any of those at stake this season, it has to learn to do it.
Unionistas is a team that is having certain problems scoring goals. There are only 13 goals in 19 games. However, within the team’s offensive behavior two names must be highlighted: the first is that of the young Bulgarian striker Slavy. He is left-handed, big and has a remarkable aerial game. He is the reference number nine for the Salamanca team. He is the one who puts Unionistas ahead in the victory against Barça Atlètic at the Johan Cruyff with a good shot from a corner. Another of the points that tonight’s rival will try to take advantage of to make Barça uncomfortable. With four goals he is the team’s top scorer. It is also worth highlighting the Catalan player Aldred Planas. A wide player, with a very good foot for crosses and an important player for Daniel Ponz’s plans.
