You forgot to mention it?s the fault of Pep?s Barca/VdB Spain that caused the defensive shift or at least accelerated the shift
Historically in the 90s and before Pep, it was the same as today.
Basically, majority of KO tournaments since 1990 are: wins for teams with good defense, clynical finishing and some mental strength.
Even Rijkaards Barca was way more cautious with Edmilson-Van Bommel/Motta-Deco midfield and Oleguer (CB) as a RB.
The only exception were Barca during Pep and Spain 2008-2012.
Those 4 years are an exception and once in a lifetime generation and not a rule.
Pep and Spain changed the world for the short time.
But later, the world again returned to it's winning ways and patterns.
Yet we (Barca) remained stuck in time.