La Blaugrana approach this matchday with almost unprecedented pressure, and there isn’t any choice but to win by 2+ Goals this time around, so what possibly can be their approach towards the game?
Last time around, inter Milan went with a formation of 5-3-2 instead of their usual 5-2-1-2 which added an extra man in front of their backline. They sat back for the most part of the match and when coagulated, left little to no half-spaces. Our wingers were always wide, leaving Lewandowski alone in a highly disadvantageous 1v3 against Skriniar, De Vrij, and Bastoni.
Their wing backs also sat compactly instead of going man to man and coming out wide for marking Raphinha and Dembele, which made an even higher central overload.
When Xavi pushed his interiors up, the Midfielders formed an 8-man backline at times, 5 behind and 3 In front to cut passing lanes and prevent any use of spaces.
When Pedri and Gavi occupied the center-backs, the 8 man defense essentially ruled out the majority of central play since there wasn’t much area to play in, hence the wingers relied on crossing in hope instead of some meaningful build-up which in some regards cost us the game. So what can change things for Xavi this time around?
✓ Arrival of Frenkie De Jong:
Frenkie has fully recovered from his injury and also got some minutes in the game against Celta Vigo and is expected to start against Inter Milan. Frenkie can be pivotal to open low-block opponents with his final pass and his ability to dribble past opponents with ease.
✓ Deploying wingers who can invert:
Raphinha and Ansu Fati have the ability to invert and link up with Lewandowski and it can help to create pressure on the defensive back-line. Ansu Fati is good with left-back overlap dynamics, cuts in well, skillful in close spaces, and has an eye for the goal. Raphinha can also be more useful if deployed in his natural position unlike the reverse fixture at San Siro.
Hopefully, Xavi learns from the last match and Comes up with decisive plans this time around.
