"Barça's strategy in their first game without Pedri against a team that likes to press was clear: forget midfield control and play direct, intense, fast transition football using long balls and high pressing to create chances. The first two goals came in that manner, and several other opportunities materialized exactly that way. Fermín López and Marc Casadó were everywhere and their energy was infectious."
"I for the life of me cannot understand why Barça's line was positioned so high on the move that led to Elche's goal, especially with Ronald Araujo trying to play an offside trap against a player who was in his own half. There's only five minutes to go and you're in full control; why take such a risk and let Elche back in the game? Poor situational awareness still kills this team."
Barcelona defeated Elche 3-1 at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium and moved to second place in La Liga, five points behind the leaders. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres scored early, Elche pulled a goal back before halftime, and Marcus Rashford restored Barcelona's two-goal lead in the second half. Barcelona abandoned midfield control without Pedri and prioritized direct, fast transition football with long balls and aggressive pressing. Fermín López and Marc Casadó drove the pressing effort, Alejandro Balde delivered a standout first half, and a dangerously high defensive line allowed Elche back into the game.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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