After the first leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League, it is time to resume the League in Montjuïc. And we have to do it against one of the most uncomfortable teams in the championship, Getafe. A rocky team that has placed itself right in the middle of the table. Here are my 5 tactical keys for this match:
After the Champions League match and, with less than 70 hours of rest, it is a day for the players with less load of minutes to appear at the start. In this sense, two clear cases are those of Raphinha and João Félix. In the case of the first, it is an ideal context. On the one hand, so that he takes minutes to reach the necessary rhythm of play and, on the other, to give air to Lamine Yamal. A player who, due to the team's offensive deficiencies, has had to play an inappropriate number of minutes for his age. So Raphinha's presence as a right winger is very necessary from all perspectives. It is also a good day for, after reappearing against Naples, the Portuguese to have more minutes. It is a day when Barça may need their creative point in the final third at some stage of the match.
Getafe de Bordalás plays with the marked cards. A 4-4-2 or a 5-4-1 with VERY compact lines. In fact, it is the tightest team in the League without a doubt. Two very revealing records of this are that it is the fourth team that plays the most in the rival field but also the second that plays the least in its own field. Something that combines with a very high defensive line. Reason why he proposes matches with few spaces between lines and many behind his back. Therefore, the most productive path to the goal will be the synchronization between the breakaways and the pass of the passer. Capital factor this afternoon.
It should be noted that this afternoon's opponent is the team that makes the most fouls in the entire championship. So it will be essential to play quickly to avoid crashes that stop the continuity of the game. In this sense, the one who will have to improve decision-making with the ball will be De Jong. A footballer very used to driving. A game action that is very productive as long as it is used properly. Today will be a day in which its use will be reduced to very specific game situations.
Continuing with the previous point, it will be a very favorable day to exploit the set piece. Not because Getafe does not defend these actions well (which they do) but because it will be a recurring action. Bordalás' players make an average of 16.5 fouls per game. Many of them inside or close to the last third of the field. Giving importance to the strategy with good throws and good movements will be a relevant aspect this afternoon. That and the success in ending this type of actions. Whether in shooting or direct free kick service. Who knows if today could be another day in which the team can score from a direct shot.
Two names from Getafe must be highlighted above the rest. Of course, that of Borja Mayoral. The forward is the second top scorer in the championship and is in a state of grace. He scores 15 goals in 44 total shots in this League. That is, 34% of his shots are goals. A spectacular percentage. In fact, he represents 45% of the Bordalás team's goals. He is dangerous near the area but also in short-range breaks in the final third. On the other hand, talk about Mason Greenwood. The former United player is Getafe's most quality footballer. He has the ability to dribble, to cross, to make interior incursions and to finish. With 2.7 shots per game, he is the player who finishes the most plays on his team. He starts from the right side and, after a start to the season in which he needed some adaptation, he is completing a season of notable success. Five goals and five assists certify it.
