La Liga: FC Barcelona vs Girona: What happened?

Barcelona beat Girona 4-1 to take their really great beginning of the season a step further in La Liga. The tactical analysis of the match between these two teams shows much of Barcelona's dominance that is well-replicated, especially in and through the midfield, while Girona tried responding but failed.

Barcelona played in their 4-3-3 formation, which allowed them to work the ball through the center and control the pace of the game. Led by Pedri, with Marc Casado also offering his services, the midfield trio allowed the Catalans to continue with smooth ball transition. Operating in between the Girona backlines, what proved to be decisive was the manner in which Pedri was able to find pockets of space, with one deserving of a goal in the 64th minute, which sealed the game.

Another impressive contributor was Lamine Yamal, who scored a brace with goals in the 30th and 37th minute while providing width and pace down the right flank. Movement off the ball from him created headaches for Girona's defense, pulling them out of shape. Yamal put in an extra defensive shift in the game, which was reflected on the stat sheet that said he recovered the ball eight times and made five tackles, one of which led to a direct goal.

In addition, Dani Olmo often cut inside to exacerbate the situation as he played on the left wing, scoring once just after the break and also fashioning several chances. The invert inside gave a tactical edge that benefitted Alejandro Balde the most, allowing him acres of space to run into.

At the back, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Koundé and Iñigo Martínez held tight and dealt very well with Girona's high-pressure game. Centre-backs were also able to contribute to building play from the back, with Martinez the most willing to step into midfield and initiate some sort of attack, helping Barcelona maintain a fluid and structured approach despite Girona's pressing attempts. Inigo Martinez had attempted the most successful progressive passes in the game. Ter Stegen also attempted 11 long balls out of which eight were successful.

Michel's Girona was to set up in a 4-2-3-1 and pressed high to compact the midfield against Barcelona, forcing mistakes in the initial build-up phase. However, they could not sustain the pressure for long as, often, Barcelona's midfield would bypass them through quick play interchanges. Girona had inconsistent pressing, which created big gaps between their defense and midfield. Barca could find these.

Girona's adjustment in the second half was to bring on the experienced striker Cristhian Stuani, which afforded them more physical presence up front. He was instrumental as Girona pulled one back in the 80th minute, but it was a case of too little, too late for them to mount any serious comeback. Poor fluidity of passing in midfield and the solidity of Barcelona in terms of defense constrained them in fashioning clear-cut chances.

This transition from defence to attack was one of the main factors in this Barcelona win. Energy was high from Girona to impose their stamp with an aggressive press, but it was a calm Barcelona in possession that got them through those moments. Quick ball movement-often initiated on the left by Casado or Balde-would bypass Girona's midfield and attack space behind the defense with the front three.

Lamine Yamal was particularly lethal during these transitions, as he would make use of the space to stretch Girona's backline through his pace. His late runs into the box really caught Girona off guard and accounted for a huge role in both of his first-half goals.

Preceding this convincing 4-1 win, there was tactical fluidity from Barcelona, moments of individual brilliance, and full utilization of the very poor, disorganized press from Girona. For large phases of the match, Girona disrupted the rhythm with a high press, but ultimately, the ball movement and tactical discipline from Barcelona won the day. It is now constantly said that Hansi Flick was the best signing of the summer for FC Barcelona. Barcelona continue to cruise in LaLiga despite key players yet to return from injury.