The Camp Nou will live tonight the most competitive match that can take place today in the League. And it is that Atlético's trajectory is the most positive of the last two months of the championship. But Barça needs to reinforce the leadership with a victory and good feelings to dispel doubts. Here my 5 tactical keys for this great game:
After the team hasn't found each other in recent weeks and Xavi has tried tactical adjustments without success, it's time to return to the safe and functional pattern the team has had this season. Even more with the recovery of De Jong and Pedri. We'll see if Xavi bets on the two starters or just one of them (the most likely option) but that will suddenly improve Barça's performance. Due to physical characteristics, perhaps De Jong is the one who has the most options. Whichever option it is, that will return Gavi to the false left winger position providing more control on the ball and more energy in high pressing. On the part of Atlético, the significant loss of Llorente.
In the defensive phase, Atlético is arranged in a clear 5-3-2. This distribution makes it impossible for the three midfielders to reach the swings on the opposite flank. In other words, if Barça circulates well and turns the game around quickly, the full-backs will be the free men and will have time and space to progress. A space that they have to take advantage of to be aggressive with the ball and be vertical towards the area to force the mattress team to make a decision. Whatever it is (make a defender jump or stay in the zone), they will cause disorganization in the Atlético defense. The role of Koundé and Balde will be absolutely essential today.
Attacking Atlético in position is difficult. In the first place, it will be important to come out of pressure well at times when Simeone's men decide to push high. And once in the opposite field, turn the game around a lot. But what will really disorganize the mattress structure will be to attack the opposing band by going through the middle first to gather their defense inside. This is how Dembelé's goal came in the first leg and this is how more danger is created for the colchoneros.
Atlético deploys with both lanes when they have the ball. Both Nahuel Molina and Carrasco gain altitude. Especially for the Belgian band. For example, against Almería he focused 40% of the game on the left side. But due to the type of player, it is difficult for Carrasco to withdraw. And this is where an opportunity appears to surprise Simeone's unprotected men. Almería converts the goal for them like this and, Girona, also a lot of danger in transitions directed to the left sector. So it will be important for Barça to be quick in their attacks after recovery.
The duel that is going to take place between the lines is going to be super decisive. Because that is the area where the most fit player in the League today moves, Antoine Griezmann. The former Barça player has eleven goals and eight assists. In fact, he is the top assistant in the championship. Everyone playing and moving in the interval zones. He pulls a lot of fast playing maneuver to then come up from behind. So it will be essential for Barça to control this aspect from the point of view of its pivot. Just as it will also be good to watch out defensively for Correa (a player who typically does a lot of damage to Barça) and Morata (10 goals and two assists).
