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BARCELONAHansi has a secret weapon, and it’s best kind in all over Europe

When a team performs as impressively as FC Barcelona has this season, several aspects are immediately scrutinized, such as their goal-scoring and defensive records. However, this Barcelona team has more depth than it initially appears.

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona functions like a well-oiled machine, emphasizing consistency and focus. This relentless attention allows the team to execute high-risk tactics effectively, with the offside trap being one of the most notable strategies employed.

To illustrate the effectiveness of this tactic, Barcelona leads Europe’s top leagues in successfully trapping opponents offside. This season, they have been awarded a total of 75 offsides across all competitions, with an impressive 62 in La Liga alone—double the 31 offsides for second-placed Brighton in the Premier League. In contrast, Real Madrid has only nine offsides called in their favor, highlighting the stark difference in reliance on this tactic.

Marc Casado noted that the team practices this strategy extensively, recognizing its high-risk nature, yet Hansi Flick remains committed to it due to the rewards it has brought. As the season progresses, Barcelona’s defense has honed its ability to execute the trap nearly flawlessly, with Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi particularly excelling in this regard. Their strong chemistry often catches opponents off guard, contributing to Barcelona’s free-scoring success.

The number of offsides varies against different teams; for instance, they registered seven against Valencia, five against Athletic Club, and four against Rayo Vallecano. Most recently, they saw eleven offsides called against Deportivo Alavés, demonstrating the effectiveness of their tactics across various opponents.

 

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