Barcelona: Rafinha and Philippe Coutinho pivotal in beating Internazionale

The 2-0 victory over Internazionale showcased the strength of Barcelona’s 4-3-3 system.

Barcelona started a six-game spell without Lionel Messi against Internazionale who had begun the group in perfect fashion. A win for either side would put them on the verge of qualification for the knockout stages due to Tottenham and PSV drawing. Therefore, it was a challenging test and a key match in multiple respects due to how Barca could claim control of the group as well as whether they could cope without their talisman.

The team as a collective passed with flying colours. They controlled the majority of the game while creating high-quality chances, nine shots on target, and being comfortable in the build-up stage. Inter were largely nullified with Mauro Icardi isolated and restricted to three shots of which none were on target. The Argentine is rarely involved in build-up play, but Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet did a good job of making him a spectator by cutting off service. He only had four touches in Barcelona’s box, per WhoScored.

Retaining possession was the key facet of Barcelona’s win because it allowed them to patiently wait for openings with the front three trying to find pockets of space between the lines. It also denied the opposition chance to patiently build-up due to Barcelona’s counter-press so they had to try and use Borja Valero and Mauro Icardi as outlets. There were brief spells where they were able to progress up the field and construct moves, but they rarely amounted to much.

Philippe Coutinho and Rafinha both played as ‘false wingers’, they moved into central areas in the final third which allowed the full-backs to roam into space in wide areas. The two Brazilians were instrumental in Barcelona’s success due to how they thrived in central areas to occupy the defenders while the full-backs could stretch the defence horizontally. They also tracked back and formed part of the defensive shape when needed, so the team was well-balanced.

Rafinha has certainly made a strong case for starting in the Clasico, but Ernesto Valverde also has Malcom and Ousmane Dembele at his disposal if he wants something more direct and attacking-minded.

The team was well-spaced with players occupying the right areas and not getting in each other’s way as can happen when Jordi Alba is playing alongside a winger such as Dembele. Luis Suarez was his usual rampaging self and combined well with others, his assist for the first goal was sublime as he floated over a perfectly weighted cross for Rafinha to fire Barcelona ahead.

This performance is an ideal morale-booster ahead of a clash with a Real Madrid side lacking their usual confidence and a manager on the verge of the sack. The victory highlighted the advantages of Barcelona’s philosophy in that they have a clearly defined style which can make them a formidable unit even without their star man. They will need to repeat that at the weekend if they are to come away victorious against Los Blancos.