Everything was focused on a Super Cup final that would pit Barcelona against Madrid and the predictions have come true. A challenge that represents the first title and a great opportunity for Barça to change the dynamic and receive an extraordinary emotional boost ahead of the final part of the season. These are my tactical keys for this great game:
Two minutes against Osasuna were enough for Pedri to show that he is a footballer who transforms the team’s game. That he should play is undoubtedly. That he is not up to the ninety minutes at the maximum, too. So the main unknown for this Sunday is whether it is better for Pedri to start or for him to appear in the decisive part of the match. Having him on the pitch in the unbalanced minutes is a plus that would bring Barça closer to the title but, to do so, Barça has to reach the end within the game or, better yet, with an advantage.
Be that as it may, it is a game to equalize four against four in the center of the field and try to subdue Madrid by forcing them to run. The Blaugranas are interested in a control match. An auspicious day to opt for a medium on the left vertex of the square.
In a Barça team where positional attacks are costing them due to lack of speed and lack of individual imbalance, they have to be perfect in this concept. Because pressure is not only a way to defend but one of the best ways to generate chances if the opponent, as is the case, wants to come from behind. Of course, the pressure has to be high, daring and very coordinated. And that is what the team has to take care of.
We must not forget that both Gündogan’s goal and the ball against Fermín’s post in Montjuïc came as a result of a high recovery. On the other hand, when Barça relaxed and became contemplative, that is when Madrid turned the game around. Something you should avoid in the final.
Another thing that the Catalans have to exploit are the shots after a cross. Because Rüdiger, Nacho and Tchouámeni have a lot of difficulty in shaping themselves well while protecting their backs. They almost always forget one of the two things. That is the explanation why a large part of the goals that the Madridistas have conceded this year have come after a cross.
You hurt Madrid by attacking them. Although the Madrid team is being extraordinarily solid this season (only 11 goals conceded in 19 League games), there is one maneuver that is especially damaging. It is to sink the white team into its area, make it come out through a backward pass and, right after, attack the second space generated behind its defense. The defensive line has players with a lot of legs (Rüdiger, Camavinga, Mendy…) but it is very difficult for them to position themselves quickly. And that means that, when they leave their area, they do so very misaligned and with excessive distance between them.
