RCD Mallorca – Barcelona: Barcelona Ease Back Into Form With A Commanding Victory (0-4)
Returning to LaLiga football, Barcelona sought to extend their lead at the top of the table against an endangered Mallorca. Although Barcelona still faces problems, especially with their offensive plan lacking cohesion, they could turn to some familiar faces to rack up a decisive margin of victory.
Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
RCD Mallorca find themselves in the middle of a scrap to avoid relegation. Currently lying in eighteenth place, a point shy of safety, the hosts had gained seven points of the last twelve available points before lockdown. But without fans or a fit left back, the hosts faced an uphill task entering this game.
Barcelona resume the league campaign in first place, leading Real Madrid by two points. That said, pressure continues to mount on manager Quique Setién, who has struggled to implement the attractive style of football that he achieved at Real Betis. And with their Champions League tie against Napoli deadlocked, Barcelona’s season likewise hangs in the balance.
Vicente Moreno lined up his side in a 4-4-2 defensive shape, moving away from the 5-3-2 system used against Eibar in the last fixture before La Liga’s suspension. Of the three changes to the starting eleven from that encounter, most notable was Joan Sastre filling in at right back for the injured Lumor Agbenyenu.
Meanwhile, Quique Setién set up his side in a 4-3-3 formation, making three changes to their last starting eleven against Real Sociedad. Sergi Roberto replaced Nelson Semedo as right back, Ronald Araújo deputized for the suspended Clément Lenglet, and Arturo Vidal started ahead of Arthur Melo in midfield.
Barcelona assert control
Within two minutes, Barcelona raced into an early . . .
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