FC Barcelona narrowly defeated FC Sevilla, Spain’s best defence, 1-0, breaking through the strong defensive bulwark of the Andalusians. Our hotspots show how Barça did it.
Seville’s bulwark initially holds
Despite the fact that the visitors ultimately failed to steal any points from the Camp Nou, their disciplined defense has to be mentioned. Sevilla only pressed situationally, preferring to retreat deeper into their own half. Barça’s only slightly higher ball possession values (55 percent) can be explained by a few unnecessary bad passes and, above all, by pressing traps on the wing. The winger, full-back and at least one midfielder drew a net around Barcelona’s wingers.
At the same time, the Andalusians presented a remarkable understanding of how wide and deep they had to stand situationally. The defensive midfielders often let themselves fall into the last chain in order to still have enough defenders in the penalty area when they were pushed to the wings. As a result, even the Catalans’ well-coordinated attacks could hardly unleash a man in finishing position.
Barça’s active wingers pose a threat
Xavi’s plan to counter this extreme concentration of space was a logical adaptation of his own attacking game. This consisted in the runs of the wingers. Ferran Torres in particular tried again and again to sprint into the backcourt when entering. This is how the big chance came about in the 63rd minute, which unfortunately was not used again due to the Spaniard’s weakness in the finish.
The backcourt should be occupied as the visitors’ centre-backs put a strong focus on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Accordingly, crosses between the defensive line and goalkeeper Bono were not crowned with success. Another meanwhile well-established means were the dangerous corners. After all, in Gerard Piqué and Ronald Araújo you have two of the best headers in La Liga. The crossbar hit in the 69th minute could also have been the opening goal. However, another player should achieve this.
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Pedri’s stroke of genius decides the game
This goal deserves its own focus. The 19-year-old ball magician started his game-decisive action in the backcourt already mentioned. There he received a flat pass from Ousmane Dembélé. This had previously broken off his cross attempt because he was doubled. Pedri placed the ball on his left foot to maximize his space. It is as if he were measuring every situation with a compass and set square and thus finding the optimal use of space.
He used the speed of the defenders rushing towards him to let them slip past with a skillful hook. The shot deception that followed was so precise that he was able to fire his shot immediately afterwards. Four defensive players tried to block it, but couldn’t prevent the impact. Every single touch of the ball was perfect and clean, culminating in this great goal. With another beautiful and important goal, Pedri showed why he is the hope of the post-Messi era. And a crowd favourite, too, as the loud “Pedri Pedri” chants at the Camp Nou made clear.
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