The LaLiga match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona is about to kick off. Ahead of the game, AS analyzed Barcelona's defensive pressure, stating that Brian Fariñas, Cubarsi, Gerard Martín, and Cancelo must contain Atletico Madrid, who are adept at exploiting space behind the defense.
Atletico Madrid is no ordinary opponent. This is especially true for Barcelona's almost experimental defense, which is likely to start at the Metropolitano Stadium, as several defenders have only played one match together (against Aston Villa). Brian Fariñas, Cubarsi, Gerard Martín, and Cancelo appear to be Barcelona's last line of defense against Simeone's team. They must cope with one of the Rojiblancos' most dangerous threats: their ability to attack the space behind the defense. Last season, they effectively punished Barcelona in both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
Barcelona is affected by defensive injuries in this match. Although there is a chance for some injured players (Eric Garcia, Kounde, or Christensen) to return, Flick is unlikely to start them. Therefore, the German coach can only rely on a defense with very little room for error. This defense has just ended a dismal run of conceding in 18 consecutive Champions League matches, so they come into this game with added confidence.
Flick's system is well-known and unlikely to change. He will try to push the defensive line high, press intensely, and keep the entire team in the opponent's half as much as possible. Simeone and his Atletico Madrid will also be predictable; they are capable of punishing any player out of position and are not particularly concerned with possession. They only need to wait patiently, find the right moment to increase tempo, and then deliver the ball to their forwards who have plenty of space ahead of them.
Cubarsi and Gerard Martín must coordinate closely, while Brian Fariñas and Cancelo need to time their runs forward well and maintain responsibility when tracking back. Atletico Madrid has scored 22 goals in LaLiga this season, far fewer than Barcelona's 46, but they have players in attack capable of causing significant damage: Álex Baena, Giuliano Simeone, and Lookman on the wings, and Alvarez, Sørloth, and Jonathan David centrally. Additionally, they have attacking full-backs like Llorente and Grimaldo.
Restricting Atletico Madrid is not only a test for the defenders but for Barcelona's entire defensive system. The pressing must be coordinated, and the midfield and forwards must also contribute to transitions.