23 Tweets 12 reads Sep 11, 2022
MATCH ANALYSIS — CÁDIZ 0-4 BARÇA
Go with #theabelog from last night's battle to Cádiz, "The curse has been broken" they said. It was almost an impossible footing yet the rotation Xavi made altered the game. Buckle up for a ride.
A Tactical Thread
📈 Stats By @Barcalytix
First of all, Condolence to the man who suffered and wish him a quick recovery from that tragic event that left us frightened about what and how it transpired. In the end, all that matters are the health of the football fans. Life comes first and football is for people to enjoy.
Barça with its regular shape "4-3-3" Càdiz in a 4-2-3-1 providing an MD three to overload Barça's midfield two. Double-pivot in CMF base, allowing wide rotations and cover. Protecting the central spaces when defending, and giving an + later of security during defensive transition
Graphs — Players w/Most Influences On First Game.
• Pique building as much as a midfielder does. With the play starting on the floor from MATS
• Hector Bellerin's Debut, ranking on top with the most expected threat in passes.
• Raphinha's composure at 2nd half gave meaning.
GAME STRUCTURE — MAN-MARKING & PRESS
Barça suffered in the half of the game to CD's main defensive alternative. This involves each defender focusing on a specific opponent. Each party with responsible for press, tracking, duels, jockeys and defending 1v1 for prolonged periods.
CD prioritised compact and organised defending. Their line would defend zonally, protecting against various runs from the opposition. The double pivot of Álex and Fede were effective at sliding across and screening passes in central spaces.
Game One — Effect Of Thier Style
Cadiz's were the most dangerous, Barça struggled to find space in the areas of the pitch that they like to operate. CD's zonal defensive strategy, therefore, forces us to change our attacking approach. Memphis dropping dip creating to run. First*
Game One — Second Approch
Low block with compactness between units and individuals totally key. The aim here was for Busquets to force the ball wide, with the CB's entire back four sliding across and the full-backs aggressive in closing down opponents in the wide channels.
Memphis with his marker "Mbaye", dropping dip to receive & quick touch to Busquets possessing the vision going wide. This zone became a thing as Barça lacked Pedri to protect the ball moving quickly, dropping into space to deliver for teammates in trouble
In scenarios with the ball reaching Ferran in a more dangerous area, CD's defenders usually break from their man-marking strategy to overload Ferran threatening their goal. Ferran wasn't creative, the same goes for Raphinha at the first half. Barça lacked creativity in the third.
Barça played a much better second half offensively, giving rise to more runs in behind and ratifying the ball quicker between the layers, not providing Cádiz with the opportunity to set up and compelling the home team to forfeit their silhouette.
PLAYER PERSPECTIVE — FRENKIE DE JONG
The holding Frenkie. The most crucial role is to guarantee stability at the back while providing a platform for the forwards to attack. Frankie with a great sense of positioning, run to generate offense threats. Yet the 2v1 to out muscle.
— Advancing the ball
— Keeping possession
— Initiating attacks from deep
In possession of the ball, Memphis, ready to be closed down in a 2v1 leaving space for supporting Frenkie. As the defender closes him down, Frenkie is aware of the space and position of Busquets within the third, sharing the ball before the chance of the pass being intercepted.
Creating space before receiving a pass. Frenkie with a quick one to avoid immediate pressure, giving himself no time to make good decisions pass with the ball and a chance Memphis never turner up.
Making vertical runs, and a vertical pass was a key, the calmness wasn't their, I suggested Pedri & FDJ as to the Gavi/FDJ we're not engaged. Clean attempt to Hellerin, but denied by Alfonso, tries a chip, denied also. Frankie was more energetic and gave Barça lots of opening.
Frenkie made the most physical sacrifice to create chances for forwards to score the goals, does chances were not well excited. In the second half, he had to do it himself and deserves it. Great one from him.
SUB — PEDRI
Pedri, the missing piece to the puzzle stepped in and we saw more of him helping to improve the short-passing game. Keep the ball moving quickly, and constant pop into space to deliver an option for teammates in trouble.
PLAYER PERSPECTIVE — LEWANDOWSKI
Lewa's Decision making and instinct rendered good to the game, an ability to sniff out a chance and be in the right place at the right time. His movements and positioning are very natural and instinctive.
A compatriot who did the hard yards links play and creates the chances. Lewa's work rate is astounding, while his striker's instinct sees him in the right position at the right time.
Lewa is a leader in and off the pitch. We can see how supportive he was/is to Youngsters. Ansu in the ULC needed those goals and never got to, Lewy's aware that the road is always tangled and needed support, especially when there are expectations. Guess this to reduce pressure.
Dembouz is back to scoring ways. The Barça front line with Lewa in counter-attacking play are dangerous on the break. We have seen how effective the counterattacks have stood serving as leverage on the Barça side when they win back possession.
Comrades guess it's time to get myself some Coffee, feel free to share with a friend. Pardon my typos, it's cause there was a shift in strategy and I just fit it presently. Better days ahead, new adjustments.
THANKS AND BYE.

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