Key Barcelona defensive approach once again pays dividends after a barren run | OneFootball

Since the arrival of Hansi Flick on the FC Barcelona bench, there have been some clear changes in the way the Blaugrana team approaches its game, both with and without the ball.

When defending, one of the most notable tactics employed by the Catalans is the offside trap. Barcelona pulled off this tactic to perfection in the initial phase of the season, and it paid high dividends by allowing the Blaugranes to concede few goals despite playing with a very high line.

However, the effectiveness of this defensive approach had been declining for the last few weeks. Against Real Betis, it was the first time this season that a team did not get flagged for offside even once against Barcelona.

But last night against Borussia Dortmund, Flick continued to rely on this defensive approach, and this time, it again did the job as SPORT notes that the yellow and black team was whistled for offside six times in this match.

Still, it was not a perfect execution of the offside trap, as one of Inigo Martinez’s mistakes allowed Borussia Dortmund to launch a quick counterattack on Barcelona’s goal.

Even though Pau Cubarsi tried to take a step forward to activate the offside trap, he was a bit too late, and Serhou Guirassy was able to put the ball in the back of the net for Dortmund’s second goal on the night.

But these types of mistakes are forgivable, as pulling off an offside trap tactic throughout a game is a very tall order for any team. Even a slight miscommunication or lapse of concentration can bring down the entire basis of this strategy, and leave the team exposed to a fast counterattack.

Ultimately, Barcelona were able to get the full three points against Dortmund last night, but beyond these three points, Flick will also be encouraged to see his preferred defensive tactic once again paying the expected dividends.