From Paris with love

On Wednesday 30 September 2014, FC Barcelona lost 3-2 against PSG in France for the 2nd game of group phase of Champions League.

Laurent Blanc did prepare well the game and the culés suffered in defense for the first time this season.

These are my notes on the game.

0) Game Statistics.

Source: uefa.com

1) FC Barcelona played 4-3-3. But fullbacks did not play so high when initiating. They were fearing counterattack, especially Alba agaisnt Moura.

2) PSG played 4-3-3. 

Moura against Alba, Pastore with Busi 3 midfielders in the center against Messi and Iniesta/Rakitic.

3) PSG made clear every man had his mark.

4) PSG did not want FC Barcelona to initiate easily. 

All receivers covered and possessor attacked.

5) Barça defenders had to take on in order to get the ball out. But they failed several times, leading to counterattacks. 10 take ons failed in their own half !

FC Barcelona failed take ons.
Source: squawka.com

6) As usual when initiation is not working, Messi got deeper to help. 

He succeeded individually, but the rest did not take advantage.

7) Alba & Iniesta where marked. Neymar offered a way out but could not combine. Could not look at the goal until min 59.

That was one of the greatest problem of the azulgranas. 

Iniesta could not receive past Verratti, Alba was marked, and there was no space for Neymar to attack the back of the defense. 

This is why the left flank produce so little.

8) FC Barcelona suffered various counterattacks. One of the reason was because they left receivers free when pressing.

9) During 2º half Alba played higher and Moura followed him. Pastore and Cavani organized the counterattack for PSG.

10) After Xavi entered, he played on the right and Messi-Iniesta played behind forwards. PSG took a step back.

In the end they could not make it and lost 3-2.

This was the first serious test Luis Enrique’s team. They failed, but made clear where the problems are. 

This will be very useful for the future !

Wednesday 30^th September 2014.

Parc des Princes.

2^nd game of Champions League group phase.

PSG 3 – FC Barcelona 2 (David Luiz min.10, Messi min.12, Verratti min.26, Matuidi min.54, Neymar min.56)

@busi1325

Header picture: AFP/Getty images