Raphinha natural position is still RW. Xavi managed to convert him into full time LW toward the end of last season. And he excels. Both players need their respectitive team system to shine. Raphinha now is our main man when it comes to recieve the ball, running deep, pressing like a mad man. He is still limited with the ball but he compense it with his timing, movement. Vinicius is a trickster and can do more with the ball. But the team must allow him to rentlessly do same thing over and over again. Neither get what they need with Brazil.
While this is true, there also has to be the delivery of the key pass from another team mate. Who's that gonna be for them, grandpa Luca? The other thing that Bayern do, but Madrid DON'T do, is that they had a strong, coordinated press that forced mindless long balls from Peña and the defenders. With Mbappe moseying aimlessly without the ball, and no Rodrygo, how will they press Barça's backline into mistakes? ESPN, and all the English footballing media are all over the "high line" and their pace. And maybe this can be an issue on Saturday. But there are other aspects of Bayern's game not in evidence for LPB.
It's gonna be interesting for sure. Honestly, it seems that while Madrid obviously have faster players up front, Bayern are a bit better on the ball. It's what caused problems in the first half. Their defenders and midfielders had enough time on the ball to make the pass. Barca will have to do a better job with the high press to deny Madrid that ability to make those passes. Not gonna lie that it can turn ugly. I am also not sure Madrid will apply the high pressure that Bayern did that also gave us trouble. It's typically not part of their game.
Yes, but Raphinha plays much better away from the right wing. In that position, I wanted him out of Barca and not in the Brazil squad. He has been much better either the left and/or roaming. Bit of a problem to fit him in like that.
Tough environment to go to at Belgrade's "Marakana." Here's hoping Barça are up to it, especially the youngsters. As always, getting a lead early, and putting the game away can help to quell the hostilities from the stands. And being able to get into the bench and rotate ahead of a trip to San Sebastian on Sunday will be huge. After the big week Barça have had, here's also hoping that the team is focused and prepared. Here's a chance to jump into the top 8 of UCL, while continuing this season's momentum.
UEFA Champions League | MD 4 Date: Nov 6, 2024 A win today would put us in the top 8 on the standings.
Rep to you, sir. Looking at the table: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/standings/ Ahead of Barça and playing today are Villa, Brest, Inter and ARSEnal. Ideally, Villa and Brest would lose, while Inter and ARSEnal would draw against each other. Villa are away to Bruges, Brest are away to Sparta Prague, while ARSEnal are away to Inter. That said, one would think that Villa should be favored, while the other matches aren't so clear as to who has the likely advantage.
Villa did lose, so Barca will be in the top 6 with a win tonight (and possibly as high as 4th). Flick fielding a very strong XI. Looking forward to seeing FdJ finally play a full/near full match. I feel he can improve his impact a lot under Flick's system.
Good low shot from Raphinha hits the post, Lewa in the right place at the right time, slots in the rebound. 1-2.