Barcelona had an early Saturday kick-off against local rivals Girona, which gave them the chance to leapfrog Real Madrid at the top of the league table with a win.
Hansi Flick’s side had been ravaged by injuries so another three points at home certainly wasn’t a given, even though Michel’s squad have struggled this season.
Let’s take a look at three things that affected the outcome of this Catalan derby…
Time to give the high line the heave ho?
It’s true that the high defensive line has become the most predictable part of Hansi Flick’s tactical
offering.
When it works there’s no better sight in European football, but when it’s consistently exposed – as it was with alarming regularity by Girona – it’s embarrassing.
Only the visitors’ inability to finish well stopped the Blaugranes from going into the break at least one goal behind.
There’s no shame in reverting to a less risky mode of defence if the game calls for it, and Flick’s insistence of sticking with the high line come what may could soon be seen as his Achilles heel if there are too many more instances of the type of defending we saw in Saturday’s match.
Pedri the conductor supreme
Whilst many of the plaudits are often handed to the likes of Lamine Yamal, where would this team be without Pedri?
For once allowed to rest after an hour and ahead of a challenging week, his calming influence in midfield can’t be understated.
A brilliant goal underscored a performance that helped elevate a Barca side that often looked tired against an effervescent Girona.
The conduit through which all of Barcelona’s good work emanates, in what is going to be another long, gruelling season, not only must Pedri be looked after, but Flick needs to build his tactical ideas around the midfielder.
Lack of ideas is a worry but thank God for Araujo
Whilst one can – and should – give Girona great credit for the way in which they set their stall out, Barca need to be more inventive in these games.
How many more times do we have to endure below par performances against teams that are often happy to sit back?
That said, the visitors made sure to get forward when they could – certainly in the first hour or so – and arguably could’ve come away with the three points themselves.
In the end, thank God for Barca’s Uruguayan powerhouse, Ronald Araujo, sending the side to the top of the table with a striker’s finish.
