Tactical Analysis: Barcelona Vs Bayern Munich, A High Pressing Tactics Battle Between Hansi Flick & Vincent Kompany

Moritz - Total Football Analyst

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FC Barcelona hosted FC Bayern on matchday three of the UEFA Champions League.

Both teams, known for their aggressive and high-risk pressing styles, were set to deliver one of the most eventful evenings of football in a long time.

Our tactical analysis of the match offers analysis and insight into both teams' high-pressing tactics, which set the tone for the contest we witnessed.

Barcelona operated in a nominal 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robert Lewandowski as a target man and the quick Raphinha on the left wing.

Under Vincent Kompany's coaching style, Bayern also played in a nominal 4-2-3-1, with Raphaël Guerreiro at right back and Joshua Kimmich in the holding midfield role.

A dynamic back-and-forth quickly developed, driven by both teams’ pressing and their high defensive lines.

Barcelona’s Build-Up Vs Bayern’s Attacking Pressing

Bayern pressed right from the first minute, as usual, with man-to-man orientation across the entire pitch.

Guerreiro pushed up against the opposing full-back, while Dayot Upamecano, on the ball-near side, defended against Barcelona’s left winger, Raphinha.

Barcelona’s build-up play was accordingly adapted to Bayern’s pressing.

The goal was to lure the opposing players in by using the numerical +1 advantage with the help of the goalkeeper, thereby creating more space behind the opponent.