Barcelona's nightmare against the top teams continues after suffering a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid on Sunday in El Clasico.
In four tough encounters this season already against Bayern Munich, Benfica, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, Barcelona have only managed to score one goal, which was scored by the returning Sergio Aguero in that Clasico fixture.
The lack of a threat in the final third was clear to any viewer at the weekend, with near misses coming from Sergino Dest, Gerard Pique and Ansu Fati, but the Blaugrana just never looked very dangerous in front of goal.
"In football, you have to control the areas," Sergio Busquets said after the match against Real Madrid.
And Barcelona have struggled to do that against the big teams for a while now.
Ronald Koeman has looked for alternatives in his offence, and his injury troubles so far this season have been undeniable, with Aguero having missed most of the season, as well as Ousmane Dembele not having played a single minute yet.
Some absences have forced Koeman to test the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Gavi and Sergino Dest, but a solution has yet to be found.
A 3-5-2 against Bayern and Benfica
The system used against both Bayern Munich and Benfica in the Champions League was a way of reinforcing his defence and midfield, in response to their lack of forwards.
In the two games, Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong featured in the starting XI, with Yusuf Demir and Coutinho coming on in the second half against Bayern Munich.
In the Benfica clash, Ansu Fati and Coutinho were played in a bid to strengthen the attack. However, this failed to materialise in both clashes, and Koeman's side failed to register a shot on target in the entire 180 minutes.
A 4-2-3-1 against Atletico
After their Champions League defeats, Koeman decided to change the system against Atletico Madrid, utilising a 4-2-3-1 instead with a lone Memphis leading the line.
Behind the Dutchman stood Frenkie de Jong, Coutinho and Gavi. Later, Ansu Fati would enter the match and the formation would switch to a 4-3-3 in which Gavi took up a place on the right flank.
Once again, the team failed to score and the side's struggles against the top teams continued.
A 4-3-3 against Real Madrid
El Clasico saw a new system implemented in the classic 4-3-3, originally revolutionised 10 or so years ago by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side.
One difference between Koeman's 4-3-3 against Real Madrid and his 4-3-3 against Atletico however, was the introduction of Dest on the right wing, while Memphis and Fati both filled the other two attacking positions.
Dest had a great opportunity to put his side in the lead in the first half after a nice run from Memphis, but the American international smashed the ball well over the crossbar and the Barcelona players were left with their heads in their hands.
In this clash, Aguero and Luuk de Jong would enter the pitch, with the Argentine making only his second appearance for the team so far.
Thankfully for Koeman, Aguero managed to get on the scoresheet and stands as a slim glimmer of hope that Barcelona do still have a goalscoring threat. They do, however, still have plenty to work on.
BabaYaga2312
18
Main problem lack of threat from the midfield De jong can’t shoot pedri can’t shoot gavi can’t shoot busquets can’t shoot all can keep the ball what’s the use without the final pass or shot ?? The player who can shoot is not trusted by the coach and the other one plays as a forward Messi is not there we need cover from the mid field that’s the main issue at barca other teams win because the mid field also provides goals city Bayern Chelsea Madrid (tho benzema is there modric kroos casemiro can still provide a few goals) only when u have players like salah or Messi u really don’t need the midfield support in goals
yembckmnp
14
I lowkey want to see this🤤