Lobo Carrasco: “The pass for the perfect movement”

1. THE PASS FOR PERFECT MOVEMENT

Valencia did not come to see Barça play or to defend the first tie. It looks the same but the big fact is that the leader is constantly inaccurate with the ball and it is possible to play one on one. The classification does not seem to truly see the presentation of the contenders. In an eleven where the return to three forwards was the highlight, the Catalans started with great enthusiasm but little success -technically and finisher- in the last meters. Unchecking and attacking at will is penalized for a bad first control or for a predictable choice, passing. Mamardashvili and his defenses have no problem except for the Jesús Vázquez/Raphinha pairing.

There, on the right wing, the Brazilian winger is threatening. He caused a break in Che’s defense thanks to a great delivery from Busquets to race, head past the visiting winger. The Georgian goalkeeper hesitated and just like at El Sadar, he deflected his head and inside. 1-0 did not leave Valencia despite the blaugrana offensive impetus after the goal.

2. PRESSURE IS BETTER THAN FOOTBALL

The visitor’s 4-1-4-1 (without the ball) remained united and that required, at least, the removal of an opponent to gain an advantage.

The first half came and went with the select marks and positions Baraja needed: Correia chasing Balde; Almeida or Ilaix puts pressure on Busquets, leaving Guillamón the job of midfielder -De Jong takes advantage of his speed to help at the back and reach the level of Ferran- with the central defenders Cömert/Özkacar are taking their defense almost to midfield. Visit of tactical courage. Samuel Lino was the one who managed to tie thanks to the poor control of the almost impeccable Ter Stegen (the best goalkeeper in the world who adds two legs) on a Barça restart. Not taking advantage of that opportunity reinforced the blaugrana mentality as Xavi’s team were more successful without the ball (pressure) than with it. All open for the second phase.

3. PENALTY, FAULTS AND GAME CLOSURE

Kessie came on for Frenkie de Jong’s well-deserved rest and, minutes after the restart, Diakhaby came on for the injured Cömert. Valencia are still obsessed with drawing and Barça want to deliver a secondary impact. The psychology of grief is at stake. And the most serious actions came for the Che team and the Barça team: Guillamón’s penalty, Ferran failed, revived by the one who wanted that eleven meters, Fati. Ansu himself was in charge of placing the oops! at the Camp Nou with a right hand on the post and immediately afterwards, the dismissal of Araujo. Deserved and NEEDED but due to a bad choice by Koundé.

Barça with ten defends with order, strong and well (very supportive). Valencia put all the offensive players Baraja had on the bench and changed the system. Nothing can be brought to the locker room except for one action where Fran calls for a penalty.

And for the last time, yes yesterday, Xavi’s men know how to handle it (player change and separate system) extending free kicks, throw-ins or goal kicks. In trade.