Inter Milan 1-2 Barcelona: 3 Reasons Why the Blaugrana won | Champions League 2019-20

#1 Barcelona’s new system allows them control in midfield

Ernesto Valverde

Before the contest began, Valverde sprung a surprise with his line-up as he decided to field a 3-5-2 formation, with Antoine Griezmann and Perez operating as the forwards. Additionally, Alena, Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic manned the midfield as the Blaugrana hoped to ruffle the Italian side’s feathers.

And, the visitors’ tactics worked a charm as the change in system enabled them to dominate the ball in midfield and subsequently, make their way higher up the pitch.

For large swathes of the encounter, Rakitic sat deep as the holding midfielder and orchestrated proceedings, with the Croatian frequently dropping back to collect the ball from the centre-backs. However, with the midfielder shielding the back four at all times, the wing backs were allowed the freedom to venture forward and potentially create situations of numerical superiority.

To put things into further perspective, three at the back enabled them to have four players guarding against the swift counter-attack as opposed to three when fielding a conventional 4-3-3 shape.

Moreover, Griezmann’s tendency to drop into midfield and spread the ball created a numerical advantage in the middle third while the Frenchman also left the Inter centre-backs with no player to mark.

Consequently, the above contributed to Barcelona creating instances where they could move the ball swifter and hope for gaps to open up in the Inter defence, a ploy that ultimately meant that the visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of possession.

Thus, at the San Siro, Valverde had unfurled a strategic masterstroke and one that helped his side emerge victorious. And, while the Spaniard and his tactics have left a lot to be desired previously, Tuesday was probably an occasion where he got it spot on.