‘We already know it’s offside’… Pau Cubarsi reacts after Barcelona beat Espanyol 3-1 | OneFootball

FC Barcelona got another victory last as they played against their city rivals RCD Espanyol. The Blaugranes emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline in this game, with Dani Olmo and Raphinha scoring the goals.

Their rivals, Espanyol were also able to score three goals, but only one of these goals counted as the other two were ruled out for offside. Thus, tonight’s game once again highlighted the efficiency of Flick’s defensive approach which looks highly risky to the spectators.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, one of the main protagonists in this defensive approach, Pau Cubarsi, spoke to the media after the game, and while conceding that it is a risky approach, highlighted the team’s propensity to use it:

“We always try to play with a very high line to catch the opponent offside. It’s risky, but we have to do it.”

Further highlighting the team’s comfort using this approach, the young defender revealed: “When they check it in the VAR, we already know it’s offside, but some of them have been close calls.”

Overall, the youngster showed a lot of satisfaction with his team’s performance in this game: “We had a very good first half, started really well, and were able to get ahead on the scoreboard early. We’re playing with a lot of confidence and giving it our all.”

Barcelona are pulling off the offside trap strategy to perfection this season. This approach has helped them against some of the best attacks in Europe, as seen in the games against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, as well as against some mid-table sides in Spain, as was the case tonight.

Overall, Barcelona have seen 13 goals scored against them being chalked off for offside, and the role of defenders like Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez has been crucial in allowing Flick and Barcelona to take advantage of this highly risky strategy.