Tactical Analysis – Atletico Defending v Barcelona
By Stevie Grieve
In the recent Champions League Quarter Final clash, Barcelona drew 1-1 at home to Atletico de Madrid, and went into the 2nd game at the Vicente Calderon needing to score to have a chance at qualification for the Semi-Final.
Atletico have caused problems for every team they have faced in the last 18 months, and in particular Barcelona, who have had three 0-0 draws with Atletico previous to this game, and this would be another scoreless game for Barcelona, who lost 1-0. Barcelona have struggled to score for various reasons, so I will look at some key features of Atletico’s defensive play.
Atletico Narrow Low Block
As Barcelona like to attack through the centre, via Iniesta and Messi predominantly on the inside left and right channels and looking for