Xavi came up with a tactical masterclass to guide Barcelona to a 2-1 win against Osasuna last night
Here’s how the Barcelona manager explained his tactics after the game:
“We went with two rows of four and with Ferran or Ansu up front,” Xavi told reporters.
“They hardly created any chances against us. It’s a very good victory, one of courage.
“It was wildly celebrated in the dressing room. It was very difficult to play with 10 and I am very proud of the team,” the gaffer concludes.
What it means is that Xavi opted for a 4-4-1 formation after Lewandowski received his marching orders.
Here’s what the formation looks like:
Barcelona also had to press for their lives to win the ball higher up the pitch. It worked!