Three tactical observations from the Spanish Super Cup

By chalkontheboots
Updated: 24 August, 2012

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Shape

Real Madrid adopted a very deep and defensive approach for the first half and began the second half in a similar fashion. Madrid were content to drop off Barcelona and only press when Barcelona crossed the halfway line. In many respects it was a typical first half Barcelona performance as they dominated possession (70%) but ultimately lacked penetration. Madrid offered a threat on the counter attack but this waned as the first half progressed.

It was noticeable that in the opening minutes, neither Barcelona full back pushed forward yet once the Madrid shape was recognised, Alves and then Adriano began to move forward and provide overlaps for Sanchez and Pedro respectively.

Mourinho has entered games against Barcelona with a range of tactical strategies to deliver the desired results with just two victories in eleven meetings to date. Recently, when Madrid have attacked Barcelona and pressed them aggressively, Madrid has enjoyed a greater share of possession and favourable results. Last night, this was abandoned in favour of a defensive minded strategy.

Which inevitably begs the question of why did Mourinho choose such a defensive set-up last night?

Firstly, given it was a two legged tie, Mourinho would have wanted to keep things as tight as possible early on. In the first leg of the Champions League semi final in April 2011, Real Madrid were very defensive, only conceding to Barcelona late on following the dismissal of Pepe. Afterwards, Mourinho claimed the strategy was to attack Barcelona in the last thirty minutes of the game with attacking substitutes. A ploy which was denied when Madrid had been reduced to 10 men.

It seems reasonable to suggest that Madrid trying to replicate this last night.

Despite being level at 1-1, Madrid were more aggressive after the hour mark. With the scores level and the away goal secured, Madrid were operating from a position of strength yet the game became increasingly stretched which provided Barcelona with more space to attack and seek openings. Benzema and the anonymous Callejon were replaced by Higuain and Di Maria in the 60th and 65th minute as Madrid injected fresh impetus into their attack as they began to tire.

With the tie delicately poised, it will be fascinating to see how Mourinho approaches the second leg.

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Pedro

A fine start to the season for Pedro has seen the Canary Islander score two goals in the opening two games suggesting a return to form and fitness.

Last season was something of a disappointment for Pedro both collectively and individually. The season was disrupted through injury and a loss of form. Despite making 48 appearances, Pedro started in only 32 of them and was often substituted himself. As the season drew to a conclusion, Pedro offered glimpses that he was rediscovering form particularly in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.

Now, fully fit and on form, Pedro offers Barcelona a significant goal threat from the wide area reducing the reliance upon Messi.

His goal last night encapsulated the best of his qualities, playing off the shoulder of the deepest defender and accelerating away to collect a through pass before slotting the ball home.

Yet to only consider the attacking qualities that Pedro brings to the side would be a considerable injustice. Although not the greatest technician within the Barcelona side, Pedro understands the role that he is expected to perform perfectly. He combines his attacking role by undertaking the defensive aspects diligently. His pace is essential in closing down defenders and pressing high up the pitch providing the first line of defence.

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Victor Valdes

The outcome of the entire tie could hinge upon the events of the 84th minute last night. Casillas saved from Messi and Pique, on yet another foray forward, was unable to make contact and force home the 4th goal for Barcelona . Madrid, who were dangerous throughout on the transition, launched a counter attack which petered out when the ball was played back to Valdes in the Barcelona goal. Despite being closed down by Di Maria, Valdes sought another touch on the ball before attempting to dribble beyond Di Maria. The end product was the concession of another goal and the tie, which should have been over, is left hanging in the balance.

After the game Andoni Zubizarreta told reporters: “Mistakes are part of a goalkeeper’s career. Victor has saved us far more goals than he has conceded over the years – I’m sure that after tonight he will go on to have a perfect season.”

Déjà vu?

On 10 December 2011, Valdes mishit a pass at the Santiago Bernabeu after just 22 seconds which resulted in Benzema giving Real Madrid the lead. Yet Valdes continued to hit short passes for the duration of the game. Afterwards, Guardiola commented that

“The best thing was that Valdes kept on passing the ball after the goal. That showed his strength and the strength of the team,”

Valdes will make more mistakes in the future but don’t expect any change in the way he plays. It’s necessary for Barcelona to possess a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and to continue making passes.

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