Barcelona’s recent 1-0 win over Las Palmas involved a performance deserving of a more flattering scoreline. Xavi’s men were on top for the better part of the game, but a fascinating tactical battle kept the result in doubt until the final whistle.
The visitors went down to ten men midway through the first half and were forced to play with a disadvantage for the rest of the game. Yet, they did not make it simple for the Catalans as only a solitary Raphinha strike helped them take home three points.
After a comprehensive analysis of Barcelona on the night, the strengths, weaknesses, and standout players involved, Barça Universal brings you a deeper analysis of the team’s performance and the tactical battle that unfolded on the night.
Xavi’s lineup on the night spoke a lot about his intentions to maintain the team’s momentum and push for three points as he opted to deploy his strongest available XI.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen started in goal with Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi lining up defensively in Ronald Araujo’s absence. Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo stuck to their roles at full-back.
With Andreas Christensen unavailable, Ilkay Gundogan was paired with Sergi Roberto and Fermin Lopez in midfield while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha flanked Robert Lewandowski in attack.
The match stuck to the expected script right from the get-go as both teams looked to build from the back. The common approach caused both sides to press high and individually.
Until Las Palmas’ Alvaro Valles was sent off in the 25th minute, Barcelona had already recovered seven balls in the opponent’s half. Moreover, the move that caused Valles’ expulsion also stemmed from a recovery at the edge of midfield.
