FC Barcelona 0-4 Real Madrid | Tactical Analysis

Real Madrid swept Barcelona aside in the second half, although in the first 30 minutes Xavi’s side had control of the game.

FC Barcelona

In possession

Real Madrid pressed very high, as they had already tried in several matches against Barcelona this season, and although Barça were unable to play with short passes, Ter Stegen’s long balls were key. The German progressed with the ball up to the height of the center backs and when Real Madrid playeres came out to press him he sent long passess that had Lewandowski as a receiver.

The striker was able to receive quite comfortably and find a simple pass to Kessié who was always well positioned to switch the play to the left flank where Balde had space to run. When Barcelona could play with Araújo the play ended up having the same plan, with Lewandowski playing with his back to goal to try to get the ball to Balde.

Álex Balde

The left back was one of Barcelona’s best players, having a lot of offensive contribution due to the space left by Ancelotti’s team on his flank thanks to Barcelona playing without a left winger. He made good carryes, put the cross of one of the best chances of the match for Lewandowski’s shot with an extraordinary save by Courtois and gott into the to finish some plays.

Raphinha vs Camavinga

The duel that Barcelona couldn’t take advantage of at any time was on the right flank, with Raphinha receiving for the 1 on 1 with Camavinga who in addition to not playing in his main position had no help from midfielders or Vinicíus, defending a very large space perfectly, without being dribbled.

Out of possession

When Madrid had possession of the ball, Barcelona positioned themselves in a 4-1-4-1 mid block, although Xavi’s team always tried to press as high as possible. Madrid had many problems in the build-up, with Barcelona accumulating many players in the opponent’s half and Madrid’s defensive line not receiving help from their midfielders, who didn’t offer passing lanes. Madrid ended up playing long balls but Barcelona were very comfortable in those situations, with the defense winning almost every duel. Araújo again played a great game in all aspects.

Barcelona had no problems defending in a low block during the first half had as Real Madrid had little mobility, being Kroos and Rodrygo the only players trying to provide solutions. In the second half Madrid switched to a 4-2-3-1 with Modric being more important, allowing Ancelotti’s side to dominate.

Real Madrid

Attacking transition

But the key of the match was in the attacking tranistion with Rodrygo reading the game in a outstading way. Attacking the back of Balde who was very high in most plays.

0-1

Just before the break the first goal came in a great counter. Marcos Alonso with a huge mistake trying to anticipate Rodrygo and the second mistake of the defender for not making a foul after being dribbled. Vinícius receives and is able to carry the ball with the Barcelona defense not coming out to stop him, getting very deep inside the box, allowing the Brazilian to finish.

0-2

And in the second goal Modric, again, carryes the ball with no opposition, superb movement off the ball by Rodrygo to drag Koundé, which allows Benzema to receive alone having a lot of time to finish.

Barcelona didn’t score in the first half hour and Real Madrid took advantage of it to qualify for the final.