El Clásico finals have the same importance, and the meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final in Seville was no exception.
Barcelona showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the cutting edge and control to truly dominate, proving they’re still a team in transition
Barcelona started well, having large amounts of the ball and restricting Madrid from creating any chances.
The defense was solid, but the midfield lacked control, and the attack missed opportunities to create more clear-cut chances.
Here are five lessons that Barcelona can take away from this match.
5 Things Barcelona Learned from El Clasico (Copa del Rey Final)
1. Don’t Rely Solely on Possession
Barcelona kept the ball for long periods of time but failed to turn that possession into any kind of tangible, consistent scoring opportunities.
Against elite teams like Madrid, simply possessing the ball does not work; Barça must be incisive in the final third, play quicker, move better…anything to break the bank of a compact defense.
2. Defensive Not Resilience, But Vulnerability in the Midfield
Although the backline held to a degree against the counter-attacks from Madrid, the same could not be said for the midfield.
The midfield couldn’t exert its dysfunctions, which allowed Madrid to exploit the transition from defense into counter.
Barça must improve the coverage the midfielders provided in terms of preventing players from making forward runs and throwing themselves into challenges while skirting to receive the ball under pressure.
3. Lacking Ruthlessness in Attack
Although Pedri was good, Barça simply never created enough clear chances for a cup final. The forwards must prepare themselves to be more ruthless, and the team must be willing to take more risks as an attacking unit in the final period of the pitch.
Relying on an individual moment or two simply isn’t sustainable in big games.
4. Pedri is Incredible, But Needs Help
Pedri was again the best on the pitch for Barcelona, but he cannot do it all by himself. Everything doesn’t revolve around Pedri.
Other midfielders and attacking players need to add more creativity. Gavi and Frenkie de Jong (if healthy) need to be dangerous to take some of the load off of Pedri.
5. Knowhow & Calmness in Finals Matter
Finals are decided on the smallest of margins and Madrid’s experience in these situations ultimately gives them an edge.
Barcelona’s younger players showed their character, but they did not show the calmness that is necessary in key moments.
More big game maturity will come for these players over time, but they need to learn how to manage pressure in important matches.
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