Barcelona-Bayern

 

1-Barcelona preferred 3-1-4-2 formation. This year they used this formation for the first time. Their aim was to prevent Bayern’s attacking from the centre (1). They were successful in the first 15 minutes of the match, but when Bayern started playing from the wings, the disadvantages of the formation became apparent. While Barcelona defended the wing with 1 player, Bayern's fullbacks went forward and they took the advantage with 2 players (2).

2-Barcelona could not be effective in attack throughout the match. The only positive thing they did was that they could include Alba and Roberto, who play at wing-back, into the attack. De Jong and Pedri sent the ball to the wing-backs heading towards the wings. In this way, the number of forwards increased to three or four (1). But in the continuation of the positions, they could not cross to the penalty area or lost the ball quickly (2).

3-Bayern tried several solutions to overcome Barcelona’s defence. One of them was running towards centre-backs. Two of the four forward players approached each other to destabilize the defence line. When two centre-backs went towards two attackers, the other centre-back was left alone so he had to defend 2 forwards alone. If that centre-back went to the player who has the ball, the other striker would not be able to defend (1). If that centre-back didn't go to the player who has the ball, that striker would have the time and angle needed to shoot (2).

4-Barcelona could not press to player who has the ball. Because at the same time 3-4 players rushed to different parts of the defence. The centre-backs and Busquets tried to defend the running players (1). Meanwhile, the player who has the ball headed to the penalty area and set up the game. Whoever player was more available in each attack, he sent the ball to that player (2). They've done these many times.

5-Bayern entered the penalty area with short passes. They narrowed the distance between players, 4-5 players came to a small area (1). One player sent the ball and moved to the penalty area to take it back, another player who did not touch the ball headed for the same area. If one of the players running into the penalty area could not get the ball, the other would (2). Barcelona could not keep up with Bayern's fast short passing game.

6-Barcelona's press level in the third region was very low. Centre-forwards (De Jong and Depay) did not approach the centre-backs. Alba and Roberto's first duty was to defend. It wasn't to prevent the opposing fullbacks from going forward (1). Pedri and Frenkie De Jong did not go further either. Kimmich approached Bayern defenders, he started attacks (2).

7-If formations which have 3 centre-backs are preferred, right and left centre-backs should have full-back characteristics. Sometimes they should go a few steps forward and interfere to the opposing player, and sometimes he should go to the opposing half and contribute to the attacks (1). Araujo and Eric Garcia didn’t go forward. Also, Roberto had a hard time going forward and coming back. Davies played as a left winger in the second half (2).

8-When Bayern cross, the player who crosses and 1-2 players head towards different parts of the penalty area. No matter which area the ball falls, at least 1 player is in the area where the ball falls (1). In addition, one of the players in the penalty area goes into the gap between centre-back and fullback while the position continues (2). When the ball come to that player, he can be dangerous.