"The game of cat and mouse, the key phrase: 'When you have possession of the ball, everything becomes easier.'"
"The game of cat and mouse, the key phrase: 'When you have possession of the ball, everything becomes easier.'"
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, and more importantly, Hans Flick outperformed Ancelotti tactically. Flick dominated all aspects and stages of the match, and this is what we will attempt to explain in this report.
Hans Flick is known for his direct and integrated style of play, combining control and possession. He aims to dominate the game and reach the goal with the fewest possible passes. This system is highly daring and risky, yet he excels at it. In this particular match, Flick dominated Barcelona, taking control of all phases of play. This was exceptionally remarkable, making it a great subject for discussion and analysis.
(Progression Phase)
We will start with this phase, as it played a significant role in the match where Barcelona excelled. During this phase, they focused on finding the free man, creating numerical superiority, and employing dynamic movements to reach the final third effortlessly and smoothly. Flick capitalized on Real Madrid's considerable defensive weaknesses, whether in terms of the players' positional discipline and behavior or their individual defensive actions.
In the scenario below, we see an idea being implemented that focuses on creating numerical superiority in the ball area as well as in the central zones of the pitch. This approach also involves Yamal and Lewandowski dropping deeper to pull Mendy and Rüdiger out of position, thereby creating spaces for Raphinha, who excels in making runs, or even Baldé on the flank. This showcases a smooth ball progression process with exceptional dynamism and fluidity We see Raphinha deceiving Vázquez with a feint, moving outward before quickly cutting inward in a fraction of a second.
The same idea applies here: numerical and central superiority, combined with dynamic movements that create space near the lines and provide numerous passing options. This results in a highly advanced and technically efficient structure Observe the duration and patterns of the team's possession of the ball and how they manipulate and move Real Madrid's low or mid-block at will. This demonstrates exceptional control and strategic execution in dictating the flow of the game.
Real Madrid's major issue lies in their defensive phases as a whole, particularly their pressing. The team often operates with a numerical disadvantage during pressing phases due to players like Mbappé, Vinícius, and even Bellingham in many instances. This allows opponents to create numerical superiority in ball areas or at least achieve parity, which is not ideal.
Additionally, the defensive behavior of individuals during pressing is weak. Observe how Casado consistently deceives Valverde, who ends up arriving late, and how Gavi's smart movements drag Camavinga out of position, leaving the central area exposed. While these are clever moves by the opposition, Madrid's players and their coach seem to either lack defensive training or fail to address defensive strategies effectively.
Another idea Flick exploited was Real Madrid's deep defensive line, which gave the opposition ample time and space to advance. Madrid's defenders, despite being technically skilled on the ball, struggled in situations like this. For example, the ball reaches Baldé, who has plenty of time and space and uses his speed effectively down the flank. Meanwhile, Pedri pulls Valverde out of position, allowing Raphinha to make a run behind Vázquez into the half-spaces.
This situation highlights the same defensive issues. Notice the space and time given to the defender, Ancelotti, to advance. Also, observe Bellingham's delayed and sluggish attempt to track Pedri's movement, which gives him even more space and time. We know that Pedri's technical ability and brilliance in all stages of play allow him to be a crucial asset for his team, significantly influencing the game's flow.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, defends with only seven players, while the rest of the team is entirely absent from the defensive phase. This is a major issue for the coach, as there is no clear structure or reference point in the pressing stages, highlighting the lack of defensive preparation.
Another situation that encapsulates the same defensive issues also shows how Barcelona advances. There is plenty of space for the defender to progress, while Pedri and Gavi infiltrate the pockets of space in the final third, especially Pedri between Valverde and Camavinga. The Real Madrid players fail to scan the space properly and are always late in their defensive decisions and behavior.
However, this situation also highlights the concept of the third man and how movement can create space. Raphinha pulls defenders away, which allows Pedri to exploit the open space—a brilliant tactical idea.
The equalizer for Barcelona came from an idea Flick often repeats: Gavi moves to pull his marker away from the central area, while Pedri and Casado drag Valverde and Bellingham out of position. Then Lewandowski drops into this space, executing a quick one-two pass. Meanwhile, winger Yamal makes a run behind the full-back to exploit the space. This combination of movement and quick passing is a hallmark of Flick's tactical approach, creating opportunities through precise and dynamic positioning.
The same idea is present here, but Lewandowski is slightly delayed. Notice how both Yamal and Lewandowski drop into the space, while Raphinha is also ready to make a run at the same time, moving behind Vázquez with the drop to pull the defender, then exploding into the run.
The penalty came from the same ideas we discussed: Lewandowski and Yamal drop to pull defenders and create numerical superiority in the ball area, with movements behind these ideas from Gavi in the pockets and half-spaces.
(However, notice here how Camavinga is late in tracking back with Gavi, which is naive and poor because he had the time to get back into defense. In the box defense phase, the defensive midfielder should enter the penalty area to assist with covering spaces and monitoring the attacking players in those areas. But Camavinga’s defensive behavior is poor, as he often reacts too late, after the opportunity has passed.)
The same ideas we discussed earlier.
( Barca Build Up )
Barcelona, in the build-up phase against Madrid's high press, plays a cat-and-mouse game with man-to-man marking, utilizing the same ideas. The ball is shifted to the flank, then Pedri drops to pull Valverde away. Casado makes a run behind Bellingham in his blind spot, stealing the space and moving into it. He then plays a quick one-two pass, with Gavi and Lewandowski pulling Rüdiger and Ceballos out of position. Meanwhile, Raphinha uses a deceptive movement, first moving forward to fake a run, then cutting back to pull Tchouaméni out of position. This creates a large space for him to exploit with his preferred running style
Barcelona had a clear idea to exploit Madrid's poor man-to-man marking and the timing issues in their pressing. The concept involved Raphinha dropping as a free man after Vázquez pressed late on Baldé. Baldé then makes a run into the space, but this time, fortunately for Madrid, Valverde managed to track him.
Another idea that yields the same results, exploiting Madrid's naivety in pressing and failing to close passing lanes, is simply running without any real structure. Here, Pedri drags Valverde out of position, and Gavi pulls Camavinga away, creating space for Casado. As Bellingham steps up to press the defender, Casado is left free to move into that space Then, Lewandowski drops into the space to pull Rüdiger out of position.
The same idea is applied here: a pass from Koundé, then Gavi and Lewandowski drop to receive, while Yamal stays to pin Mendy. On the other flank, Raphinha makes his usual runs. It's a simple and smooth concept, executed brilliantly due to Madrid's poor pressing and methodology in their high press.
(Barca High Press )
Barcelona's pressing was excellent as usual, and Madrid failed to exploit Barcelona's weakness in the space between the full-back, Koundé, and the opposing full-back, Mendy, which could have been used to play into. However, overall, Barcelona's press was strong and organized. Yamal and Raphinha were pressing against the goalkeeper and defenders, while Pedri stayed close to Vázquez, Gavi was on Camavinga, Casado on Bellingham, and Lewandowski on Valverde.
Barcelona attempted to set a pressing trap, trying to pull Mendy into the pressure zone, as he struggles with the ball, but Madrid couldn't take advantage of any opportunities. The only thing they managed was a high ball, which wasn't suitable for any of their players, and they couldn't win the second ball either.
Real Madrid and their goalkeeper could have exploited this point in Barcelona's pressing. They could have either played the ball to Mendy, allowing him to advance and break the press, or used a third man play—passing to Camavinga and then playing a quick ball to the free Mendy. However, they failed to execute either option.
The same issue, it was very poor. Madrid wasn't prepared or organized in any way, and it seemed they had no plan or coordination to deal with Barcelona's press This chaos ultimately cost Madrid, leading to Raphinha's goal after Barcelona's success in winning the second ball. The goal came from the same repeated run by Raphinha behind Vázquez, exploiting the same defensive issues and Barcelona's ideas that we discussed earlier.
There’s no need for further commentary; the situation speaks for itself. It clearly shows all the issues.
Real Madrid issues during their possession of the ball
Real Madrid, even during their limited periods of possession and ball progression, failed to exploit any available options or spaces left by Barcelona to advance. It was a great deal of naivety; they simply attempted to send long balls into the attack, even though aerial duels are not their strength. Additionally, they failed to win the second ball in some situations, which further highlights their inability to capitalize on key moments.
The same issues again.
This situation also illustrates the tactical and dynamic struggles Madrid is facing. Here, Ceballos receives the ball, even though it was initially intercepted. However, notice that there is no spatial awareness or any vertical passing options available. Barcelona's midfield is completely comfortable in the center, with the team being positioned very randomly and chaotically. This type of chaos is not the positive kind that provides freedom and dynamism for the team; instead, it creates a highly negative shape, with a lack of defined roles for the players.
In my opinion, Real Madrid is an unbalanced team as a collective unit. However, an important element they lack is a player who controls the flow of the game, excels at possession, is dynamic, available for teammates, and can organize the play better. That player is Ceballos. Despite his limited appearances and injuries, he brings a great deal of balance to the team. Madrid cannot play many big matches with a midfield that includes players like Camavinga or Valverde, as these two do not offer the same level of playmaking organization. They are direct players, but they don’t have the same profile as Ceballos or Luka Modrić. This became evident as soon as Ceballos came on, providing his teammates with passing options and improving the organization of the play. This is what Madrid needs in the future.
Even Bellingham is not that player at all. He showcases his abilities when he's in the final third as a free player, running into space, or as a false nine or second striker. He doesn't excel in the roles of a true central midfielder, which Madrid needs, because he is not a central midfielder by nature. However, we're not discussing this much The role, as we know it, is largely obsolete due to the positions that the current players take on the field. Modern football has evolved in such a way that the traditional roles have been replaced by more fluid and dynamic movements, where players take on multiple responsibilities and positions during the game. This shift means that the concept of a fixed role is no longer as relevant as it once was.
"My players respected the plan we set, even in the second half when Szczęsny was sent off. It's important to celebrate this title, but we must be ready for the upcoming competitions. The plan remains the same." Hanz Flik “
"Flick's Barcelona is one of the best tactically dynamic and distinguished teams in the world. A lot of credit goes to Hansi Flick and his staff. However, at the same time, there is complete respect for the players' characteristics and the freedom granted to them to express themselves within this system. This is the type of football team I enjoy watching, both as a spectator and even as an analyst—a balanced and dangerous team. I also admire their willingness to take risks and not be afraid, as Kahneman said: 'People tend to avoid risk when seeking potential gains and seek risk when thinking about potential losses.'"
“ In the end, realism and hard work triumphed, with the team that knows exactly what to do, controls the game, and dictates its rhythm, outplaying the disorganized and negative team. While chaos isn't necessarily bad, it needs to be structured within a specific framework to highlight players' strengths and achieve balance. Madrid is extremely lacking in this area, and Ancelotti bears much of the responsibility for this. However, the current players are also not balanced; they shouldn’t all be grouped together. They need control, a sense of balance, and the ability to manage the play and tempo “