Should Luis Enrique Worry About Barcelona's Recent Performances?
Playing Spain's two toughest clubs in quick succession at the Camp Nou, Barcelona have shown signs of defensive instability; these issues are not new, but only select teams have the capacity to expose them.
In the world's biggest domestic sporting event, El Clasico, Real Madrid and Barca played a relatively even match. The Catalans owned the first hour of play, but their rivals showed fortitude in the last 30 minutes.
Even after Sergio Ramos' admittedly brainless red card, Madrid caused Luis Enrique's defensive structure harm.
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Gareth Bale scored what many considered a legitimate goal, which was disallowed for "pushing" Jordi Alba. Coming to Real's rescue—and much to the dismay of the Camp Nou—Cristiano Ronaldo scored the eventual winner, making Barcelona's back four look almost like schoolboys with a brilliant chested control and sweeping finish past Claudio Bravo.
Even the most staunch Barcelonista would admit their club's defensive frailties were glaring.
Their next opponent was Atletico Madrid. Considerably less attack-minded than their Spanish-capital rivals, Diego Simone's side are equally comfortable fighting or playing football.
In the UEFA Champions League, Atleti were handed the task of dealing with the three-headed monster of Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi in Barcelona for the first leg.
They were coping well enough to take the lead. Fernando Torres scored the opening goal after 25 minutes, silencing Barcelona's home support and giving the visitors a foothold. Ten minutes later, however, the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker had received two yellow cards, placing his side under considerable pressure.
The next 65 minutes were essentially an offence-defence training session. Barcelona camped themselves in Atletico's half and systematically attempted to break them down.
"Barcelona v Atletico now effectively an attack v defence training exercise, played at full intensity in front of 99,000 people. Superb.
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) 5 April 2016"
Dutifully resisting for a half-hour, an Alba shot was turned in by Suarez on 63 minutes, removing Atleti's clean sheet.
Eleven minutes later, the winner came from an exquisite Dani Alves cross, matched by an equally intelligent Suarez header past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The 2-1 result—while still a long-term positive for Simeone—was marred by Torres' rash decision-making. Losing an attacking outlet, Barca were able to conceal their defensive frailties. Moreover, already up one goal, Atletico became even more resolute after the red card and were unwilling to launch raids into the Catalans' half.
Both goals started with hyper-advanced full-back play; Alba's shot and Alves' cross were made inside Atletico Madrid's 18-yard box. Having the incentive to attack, and not having to worry about a centre-forward (unlike against Real Madrid), Barcelona's bevy of forward talent was able to flourish.
Two straight games against Madrid clubs. Two straight times playing 10 men at the Camp Nou. Two straight 2-1 results. Two different outcomes, but the same problem.
While Suarez's brace and Torres' shortcoming took the headlines, the same issues evidenced in El Clasico were there against Atletico. Los Rojiblancos' now-suspended centre-forward breezed through gaps left by Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano, and one killer pass had Barcelona down 1-0.
Had 22 men remained on the pitch, there appeared every possibility Simeone's side would have received at least a draw.
Looking at Barca's preferred XI, only three players seem to enjoy defending: Pique, Mascherano and Sergio Busquets. They receive help from their team-mates willingness to press and collect possession as quickly as possible, but if their opposition retain meaningful possession in Barcelona's half, chances will be created.
Would they normally be enough chances to outgun Suarez, Neymar and Messi? Probably not; but on the right day, against the right club [read "Bayern Munich"], those shortcomings will keep Enrique awake at night—because they certainly exist.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.
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