3 things we learned: Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona 2017/18 La Liga

2 of 3

Photo credit should read CURTO DE LA TORRE/AFP/Getty Images. /

Defensive solidity

Ernesto Valverde’s effect on the team was clearest in this game out of all the games this season. The margins between victory and defeat in this fixture are usually slim, so the tactical setup and the style underpinning them is key.

This was a real collective effort with each player clearly understanding their role in the team. Valverde knew the danger that Real possessed on the counter-attack, so the team absorbed pressure and kept the majority of their play in the midfield third when they did have possession. Messi was the focal point of attacks and the team patiently waited until there were openings in the opposition.

More from Everything Barca

The risk with this setup was that Barcelona had to absorb Real’s attacks for the majority of the first half. However, Valverde has got them well organised so that there is little space between the lines. He made sure of this by playing four central midfielders which caused Real to focus on playing down the wings because of the congestion in the centre.

The plan worked because Barcelona were patient and took their chances. They had the better opportunities in the first half and could easily have scored five or six goals in the second half. This match served as a testament to Valverde’s coaching because the defensive line was compact and disciplined. Although they did have to rely on Marc-André ter Stegen a few times, but he was up for the challenge.

Having a solid defence behind him allows Sergio Busquets to excel because he can comfortably move around possession in deep positions as well as cut out opposition attacks. His interchanging with Ivan Rakitić also allows them to press intelligently in packs. Both of these factors were important in the build up to the first goal because Busquets patiently waited for an opening before finding Rakitić who drove through the opposition.