Xavi’s plan for the decisive game against Bayern

After falling to Betis for a poorly resolved corner in favor and an immediate one against rival with the defense out of place, Xavi Hernández has instructed the squad these days with a mandatory plan at the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich in the sixth , last and decisive day of the Champions League. It is not mission impossible. The Germans have conceded goals in 14 of the 22 official matches and in their stadium they have already lost once, against Eintrach Frankfurt (1-2) in the Bundesliga matchday. The classification goes through its application.

1. Aggressive, positive mentality and not speculating with Benfica

Barça (7 points) must focus on the Munich game without being aware of what happens in Benfica’s game (5) against Dinamo Kiev in Da Luz. Barça can only win but there are other combinations that can help them. If Benfica draws or loses, Barça may even lose on the Bayern pitch.

2. High and compact pressure at the start of Bayern Munich

The German team is uncomfortable with rivals who pressure them very high, as Borussia Dortmund did on the last day of the Bundesliga. But even losing control of the ball’s exit through the center of the field, Nagelsmann’s team does not mind resorting to long balls to the wings or forwards to get rid of a crushing and collective marking. Speed ​​as a philosophy also of play. The Barça will have to compress the lines to avoid the dispersed ones to the race, calculating with precision the offside. Any miscalculation can be fatal and cost a goal.

3. Good ball out when the Germans squeeze

The game of this Barça is based on possession and control of the game. The good exit of the ball is fundamental. In any case, a high possession, of almost 63% in most of the Barça team’s matches, is of very little use if there is no continuity and the average and the attack do not generate danger at the top. Maximum circulation but with well-learned mechanisms until the end. Bayern will demand a lot at the top and Barça needs to have solutions at hand.

4. Attentive to cut the cons with tactical fouls

In the last games Barça have seen important imbalances between the defense and the center of the field. The German speed in the cons is devilish and it is difficult for Barcelona to withdraw. This conjunction means that the Catalans have to take extreme measures and make tactical fouls if necessary, even at the risk of seeing a yellow card. The knockout stages are two-legged.

5. Generate chances, dare with the last pass and risk

Xavi called on his players against Betis to seek the goal without hesitation, to be brave when they create chances. Daring with the final pass, even if it is vertical, not falling into an excess of combinations or resorting to extremes by system. You have to take risks when looking for the goal and if necessary, improvise with the ball inside the area.

6. Search space and speed for Dembélé

It is the only differential offensive contribution of Barça. Dembélé’s one-on-one, his depth and his interior cutout to test the shot are difficult actions to neutralize, as long as he does not get in the way with Dest. Like Memphis when he goes to the race, although in the absence of troops, the Barça coach will choose to make him play as a false ‘9’.

7. Promote the arrival of interiors, especially De Jong

The road to goal also goes through the interiors and their offensive contribution. With Xavi, De Jong has taken a step forward on the right and the team has noticed it with one of the best versions of the Dutchman, although the daring of Nico or Gavi in ​​the front of the German area will also be vital.

8. Look for the shot at which there is occasion, without fear

In his half hour against Betis, Dembélé was the one who tested the outside shot the most. Xavi had given him that slogan. He tried four times and although only once forced the goalkeeper to touch the ball, the sense of danger was evident.

9. Fine-tune the strategy and take advantage of set pieces.

Since last May 5, against Valencia and with Messi on the field, Barça has not scored a direct free kick and hardly generates fouls at the edge of the area. Nor does it take advantage, and that in La Liga it is the second team in statistics, the corner kicks or the increases to the auction of Piqué, Araujo or Lenglet. The Frenchman had a clear header against the Betis.

10. Pay special attention to Lewandowski and Müller

The Polish striker is the top scorer in Europe with 27 goals in 21 games spread over four competitions. He leads the Bundesliga with 16 and also the Champions League with 9, alongside Haller from Ajax. And what is most impressive, he has seen the door in the five European games and in 11 of the 14 league games. The German Thomas Müller has not had as many, 6 in 22 games, but he is a terrible squire. The Barça will have to pay a special attention to them

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