After the first clean week in a long time, Barça will face in San Mamés what is, on paper, one of the most demanding visits they have left until the end of the season. A game that is also important for the rival, Athletic Club, and that will require the best version of the Catalans. Here my 5 tactical keys for this match:
We are in a section of the season in which the sanctions accumulate and Barça has one of the most important this Sunday with that of Araújo. A priori it was a very suitable game for him, so the first of the keys is how Xavi will set up the defence. Seeing his performance at the Bernabéu and Athletic’s type of direct play, it is highly probable that Marcos Alonso will be the one to come into the rear as a left-centre. That would move Koundé to the right side, with Balde on the left with the bands of the lions (Nico Williams, Berenguer or Iñaki Williams). Be that as it may, the first of the important points of the match will go through this aspect.
Athletic is a super intense high pressure team. Above all, as a local. In fact, it is the group that spends the most time in the third of the rival field at home (37%). That is why Barça will have an important test to get the ball out… but also an opportunity. Because assuming and overcoming the opponent’s pressure will allow attacks with more space and more time in the rival field. That is to say, that in each exit that Barça achieves, they will have many numbers to end up with a clear chance of scoring.
Just because of what was described in the previous point, Athletic is also a team that is quite frequently out of balance in the areas close to the ball. In fact, it is more disorganized on the attacking side than on the opposing side. And that is a factor that the Catalans have to take advantage of by drawing breaks behind the defenders (image), as well as insisting on playing for the same sector.
The striker will already be available. We’ll see if he starts or during the game, but it’s a very important return for Barça. More than we imagine. In the first place, because his presence multiplies the team’s goalscoring ability and, secondly, because of his ability to be a valid and productive long shot.
One of the proper names of the meeting will be, without a doubt, that of Íñigo Martínez. A player who sounds strong for the next season in a Barca key. And it is that it is a first level central. To begin with, because his left-footed profile and his good ball output make him a more than interesting footballer for any big team. And, later, because of his extraordinary game from above (1.8 average aerial duels won per game). Both in defense and attack. So much so that Barça will have to be very careful with their additions from set pieces.
On the other hand, and given the important absence of Oihan Sancet, highlighting Nico Williams as Athletic’s most dangerous attacker. Fast, powerful and agile he is practically unstoppable when he starts with spaces. In addition, he has considerably improved his dribbling skills and his scoring ability (five goals and two assists).
