We have a new manager who has altered the tactics. How do you know the fullbacks are going to leave too much space at the back? That issue has been massively reduced this season. Also, the primary success of Real Madrid in recent years has been Cristiano getting through on goal. But how many players have been through on goal against Barca this season? And with no more Ozil who is going to play the precision throughballs for him to run on to? Exactly.
As for Bayern, the primary difference the team can make compared to last seasons encounter is in reducing the number of balls that are played into the box.
The team is pressing better this season, Valdes is in form etc... We're improving defensively, but we didn't solve the problem yet.
We're still conceding goals at set pieces especially corners (Valencia, Sevilla, Valladolid). Mostly because we're playing with short fullbacks. When you have Alves vs Dante or Postiga, Adriano vs Guerra (Valladolid's ST) you'll concede from set-pieces. Martino can improve the pressing, Barca's way of defending as a team, he can give instructions to Alves to stay at the back and reduce his runs forward etc... But he can't help our defenders to gain 10 cm! This is why I'm suggesting Bartra, a tall CB who's recently inform has the skills to play this role.
I have no problem with Alves and Adriano/Alba, they are great. But, playing them TOGETHER against RM/Bayern is hurting the team. We have to find the new Abidal. From our current squad Bartra is the only one who might succeed at this role.
By the way, imo Alves recently hasn't been as good as 2008-11 for the same reasons I mentioned above. He used to go forward knowing that Abidal is staying at the back, he had more freedom, now its different. Last season, we didn't have a balance in the defense. His crosses where always awful
but he used to link up very well with Messi...
