Dominance over possession is a prominent aspect of Barcelona's identity and style of play but it is something that has become less sacred in recent times.
Saturday's win over Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou was an example of this, as Barcelona maintained just 51 percent possession throughout the encounter.
The first half saw the home team hold 57 percent possession of the ball but that number hovered around the 40 percent mark in the second half.
It was not for the first time this season that Ernesto Valverde's side conceded more possession to the opponent than usual.
Against Real Betis at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, Barcelona had just 48.6 percent possession, though they ended up winning 4-1.
In the 1-1 Champions League draw against Tottenham at the Camp Nou, they managed just 51 percent, though it was the last game of the group stages with passage to the next round already confirmed.
Barcelona's dominance of the ball has somewhat subsided since the days of Pep Guardiola but the results on the pitch continue in a similar fashion.
mixjaga
94
Barcelona always employ different tactics on different teams depending on their system of play . sociedad wanted possession and we(barca) gave it to them . we fooled them and took our 3points in style.[Bear][Bear][Bear][Bear]
ciudelp
75
very good. if this so called possession systeme was perfect then guardiola could have gone to UCL final atleast once since 2011.
EmbraceStarboy
66
It's normal because we don't have the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and the rest so definitely our style will change a little bit but let's give Valverde the credit he has used different formations this season and gotten good results.
alsxxx
38
We believe in Messi❤️ We Believe in Barca❤️ UCL is on its way to camp Nou💜