FC Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid | Tactical Analysis | La Liga 2024/25

FC Barcelona hosts Atlético Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in a exciting La Liga showdown. With manager Hansi Flick serving a suspension and star player Lamine Yamal sidelined due to injury, Barcelona faces a big challenge, having won only one of their last six La Liga games. Meanwhile, Atlético comes into the match in red-hot form, getting six consecutive league victories and looking to extend their winning streak. Both teams are on 38 points, with Barcelona being the current number one and Atletico number 2. Atlético Madrid has one game in hand and could take the number one place today if they win.

Pre-Game Context

Barcelona’s Recent Struggles:

• Barca has won just 1 of their last 6 La Liga games, struggling to find consistency.
• Missing key figures like Hansi Flick on the bench and Lamine Yamal on the field adds to the pressure.

Atlético Madrid’s Winning Streak:

• In big contrast, Atlético has won their last 6 La Liga matches, showcasing their title-contending form.
• Their stability and momentum position them as the favorites to capitalize on Barcelona’s recent vulnerabilities.

FC Barcelona Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña
• Defenders: Alejandro Baldé, Martínez, Cubarsí, Jules Koundé
• Midfielders: Marc Casadó, Pedri
• Forwards:
  • Left Wing: Fermín López
  • Central Attacking Midfield: Gavi
  • Right Wing: Raphinha
  • Striker: Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona sets up in a dynamic formation with a mix of youth and experience. Gavi’s positioning on the left wing brings high pressing and energy, while Fermín López offers creativity in the attacking midfield role. Pedri and Marc Casadó are tasked with controlling the midfield tempo, and the fullbacks, Balde and Koundé, are expected to support both offensively and defensively. For more insights in positions in football, read our blog for more information!

Atlético Madrid Starting XI (4-4-2):

• Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
• Defenders: Javi Galán, Clément Lenglet, José Giménez, Marcos Llorente
• Midfielders:
  • Left Midfield: Conor Gallagher
  • Central Midfield: Pablo Barrios, Rodrigo De Paul
  • Right Midfield: Giuliano Simeone
• Forwards:
  • Antoine Griezmann
  • Julián Álvarez

Atlético Madrid’s classic 4-4-2 formation emphasizes compact defense and lethal counterattacks. Griezmann and Julián Álvarez lead the attack, combining creativity and finishing ability. The midfield, anchored by De Paul and Barrios, offers both physicality and ball progression, while Llorente and Galán provide width on the flanks. Expect Simeone’s tactical discipline to shine through, with the team prioritizing defensive solidity and quick transitions.

First Half Analysis: FC Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid

Possession and Control

Barcelona dominated possession with 58%, while Atlético Madrid had 42%. Despite Atlético’s compact 4-4-2 system, Barcelona was able to control the game with quick passes and excellent positional play. Their use of wide areas with Raphinha and Fermín López allowed them to stretch Atlético’s defense and create space in the channels for Pedri, Gavi and the inverted Koundé at times.

Attacking Threat

Barcelona was far more dangerous in the attacking third, registering 20 touches inside the penalty area, compared to Atlético’s mere 1. Their high pressing game and final third entries were also significantly superior, with 49 entries compared to 21 for Atlético. This highlights Barcelona’s ability to break through Atlético’s defense and create numerous opportunities. Barcelona was especially dangerous via the flanks, avoiding the busy central areas on the pitch and creating dangerous situations out of crosses from Raphinha or Fermín López.

Shots and Opportunities

Barcelona recorded 2 shots on target, while Atlético failed to register any. Despite Atlético’s compact defensive shape, they were unable to offer a significant (counter)-attacking threat. Barcelona, on the other hand, was able to get into dangerous positions, with Pedri scoring a fantastic goal in the 30th minute out of a quick combination with Gavi, showcasing their clinical positional play, passing and finishing.

Defensive Solidarity

While Atlético has been under heavy pressure, they’ve shown resilience in defense. However, Barcelona’s defense, has been solid in dealing with whatever little Atlético has thrown forward.

First Half Conclusion

Barcelona has dominated the first half, both in terms of possession and attacking threat. With Pedri’s brilliant goal, they look in control. Atlético Madrid will need to rethink their strategy and be more assertive going forward in the second half to find a way back into the game.

Second Half Analysis: FC Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid

Barcelona’s Dominance Without Reward

Despite controlling 63% possession, Barcelona could not translate their dominance into a victory. Their 91 final third entries and 41 touches in the penalty area showcased relentless offensive play, but inefficiency in finishing cost them the game.

Clinical Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid’s defensive resilience and tactical discipline were on full display. With only 32 final third entries, they managed to snatch a late winner, proving once again their ability to grind out results in tough games. Their 1-2 victory highlights how they capitalized on their few chances effectively.

Missed Opportunities for Barcelona

Barcelona’s 2.53 xG reflects the quality of chances they created. However, 7 shots on target and multiple one-on-one opportunities, most notably for Raphinha and Pedri in the final minutes, were denied by an outstanding performance from Oblak. This lack of finishing touch has been a repeating issue, evident in their recent form of just one win in six La Liga games.

Counter-Attack Masterclass

Atlético’s decisive moment came in the dying seconds of stoppage time. A quick counter-attack saw Molina deliver a pinpoint cross to Sorloth, whose composed finish earned the win. The move displayed Atlético’s ability to execute under pressure with precision.

Tactical Adjustments and Impact

Barcelona’s substitutions, including Olmo and Torres, slightly disrupted their rhythm. While Olmo provided positional stability, he lacked Gavi’s dynamic movement, which limited Barcelona’s ability to exploit spaces in the final third. Meanwhile, Atlético’s switch to a 5-3-2 formation after the equalizer showcased their intent to defend and counter.

Conclusion FC Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid

In the end, Barcelona’s inability to convert chances into goals was their undoing. Despite dominating possession, creating numerous opportunities, and having an impressive 2.53 xG, they were unable to break down Atlético’s disciplined defense and clinical counter-attacks. Oblak’s heroics in goal and a late Sorloth finish were enough to secure the win for Atlético, who capitalized on a rare but decisive opportunity to take the first place in La Liga.

For Barcelona, the game was a reminder of their recent struggles in finishing, and with only one win in their last six La Liga matches, they will need to sharpen their attacking efficiency moving forward. Atlético, on the other hand, demonstrated their trademark resilience, grinding out a result with a solid defensive display and opportunistic counter-attacks. Barcelona will need to regroup after another frustrating loss, fighting for a spot in the Champions League next year.

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