On many occasions it is difficult to analyze the performance of a team because they are always subject to the competitiveness of the rival. This Wednesday during the first phase of the first half the Blaugrana were tremendously superior. And it may have been partly motivated by the distrust of the Italians, but the reality is that the intensity shown by Xavi's men was maximum. I really liked the conviction with which they developed the game in the opposite field.
And this game in the opposite field allowed us to observe how having that attitude not only allows you to play closer to the rival area, but even defend much better. And the explanation is clear and clear. If the opponent who has the ball does not have time to look, nor space to evolve, nor reference in front of him to generate a transition of the play, it is easier for the opponent to recover the ball. It is the football that makes me enjoy the most, because the same concept that makes you effective in defense is the football that makes you effective in attack and vice versa.
But this absolute superiority of the first 35 minutes was not reflected on the scoreboard. Barcelona did well to lead at half-time, but the most dangerous shots were almost all from a distance. Because there was a certain poverty in the preparation of the final play. The intensity they showed to exert an impeccable high pressure made them rush without being able to make a second reading that was not so direct.
There was no splitting of the sides when the wingers had the ball. There was no patience for Gündogan or Pedri to receive at a given moment facing the rival frame, waiting for a second line arrival. The match was dominated, but the lines were not easily crossed. But the image was very good.
Naples got rid of the Blaugrana pressure, but Barcelona was as effective in the retreat as it was in the high pressure and this is due to the intensity with which they played the match. Only a conceptual error on the part of Iñigo Martínez when seeking anticipation in an area where doing so entails excessive risks allowed Napoli to tie the match. And from then on, distrust took over Barcelona, who, to the extent that they were unable to reach the opposing field, were unable to dominate the match. But without a doubt we can talk about progress in the Blaugrana's game and that also shows the keys to where it should go.
