PSG Outmuscle, out-Press & Outrun Barcelona in Epic Victory
Paris Saint-Germain dealt Barcelona their first defeat of the campaign on Tuesday and in the process put the first three goals past Luis Enrique's defence this season.
The French champions have been in dreadful form so far this season but raised their game for the big event. Parc des Princes rocked as the home side won 3-2 to top the UEFA Champions League group.
Formations and XIs
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Paris Saint-Germain played an odd, hybrid formation that ranged between 4-3-3 and 4-3-1-2 all evening. It was the same as the one tried against Toulouse, and Lucas Moura was the formation modifier, switching from right-wing to right centre-forward.
Barcelona played a 4-3-3 that also merged into a 4-3-1-2-esque shape at times, via Lionel Messi dropping rather than anything else.
Flexible Setups
Barcelona, on paper, started with Pedro and Neymar wide of Messi. Messi then dropped back to work in the No. 10 space and the other two pushed on, creating a diamond look for the away side at times.
With Messi dropping in and Andres Iniesta surging forward, the No. 10 space was used very efficiently and caused Paris Saint-Germain some issues. Whenever Barca picked up a rhythm of quick passing—such as in the build-up to Messi's goal—the ball moved between the lines at lightning speed without opposition.
PSG, on the other hand, brought Lucas in off the right to play more centrally at times, with Javier Pastore switching from left-wing to the No. 10 role. Behind him was a flat blockade of three central midfielders, whose goal was to sit deeper and try to prevent penetrative passes from Barca's men.
The fluidity allowed Lucas the freedom to pick and choose his battles, enter the space he thought he could make a difference in and push on to play one vs. one against Jeremy Mathieu. His dribbling was fearsome, and his ability to travel long distances with the ball allowed PSG to commit numbers deep, pack the middle and ride Lucas' shoulders on counter-attacks.
Stopper-Sweeper Combination
Many teams sit in and remain rigid against Barcelona, ignoring their movement and utilising zonal aspects of marking. Rather than chase shadows they sit in deep and only interact with Messi and Co. when they enter their areas.
David Luiz decided that wasn't for him, following markers into deeper territory in a fashion similar to how Marcelo Bielsa used to play vs. Barcelona while manager of Athletic Bilbao.
It left Marquinhos, who had an excellent game, as a sweeper, while Luiz followed the centre-forward and pushed him away from the danger zones. Both players were ideal for their individual roles, and Marquinhos occasionally played the stopper part himself.
It was even riskier than Bielsa's tactics years ago because he played with three centre-backs—meaning he always had two men back if one wandered off—but it worked.
Physical PSG
Laurent Blanc intimated he'd go mano a mano with Barca pre-match, and while he certainly matched up formation-wise, he took a tougher, more physical approach overall.
PSG pressed in spells and used their big bodies to their advantage; Lucas' set-piece deliveries were superb and the French side bullied Barca from corners and free-kicks.
When you concede to a Marco Verratti header, you know you've done something wrong, but credit to PSG for finding a way to reward their strong periods with goals.
Thiago Motta, Blaise Matuidi and Verratti (later Yohan Cabaye) left it all out on the pitch and remained disciplined in their defensive duties. Once the ball was regained, a quick pass into a playmaker's path was all that was required, allowing Pastore and Lucas to do the leg work.
PSG beat Barca by dragging them into a physical battle and winning. They outmuscled, outran and out-pressed the Calatan club.
Final Word
PSG players can be incredibly guilty of being apathetic during Ligue 1 games, but on European nights, they always turn it on. Pastore loves playing against Barcelona, and he was one of 10 players in blue to shine at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
Edinson Cavani failed on the big occasion as the centre-forward, and that's a worry; L'Equipe awarded him a 5/10 for missing too many chances and taking too many touches.
Enrique's first defeat stings, given Barca created chances and hit the post late on, but PSG deserved to take all three points in this enthralling battle.
Quickfire Takeaways
- Dani Alves is declining fast, but when the other options are Martin Montoya and Douglas, perhaps Enrique has no choice but to play him.
- Jeremy Mathieu is proving all his doubters wrong. Despite being part of a back line that conceded three goals, he was very good again.
- Pastore still leaves the viewer wanting more. He tries hard, runs a lot, but he should be better still.
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