Free Lionel Messi and Barcelona can mount a comeback
Luis Enrique is obsessed with the idea of making space for the Argentine on the pitch
In Turin Messi was locked out of the game, shackled by three players at once
Lionel Messi was locked up in Paris and In Turin. Barcelona’s opponents shut him down to stop him deciding the game with his play and the Catalans have the clear objective of freeing him, if they are to turn things around on Wednesday night.
The Argentine at times was being looked after by three of the Italian side’s players and he could not find space because Barcelona were able to get down the flanks much. He was left alone and this time the idea is to create superiority so that the Argentine can be involved in the most decisive zones of the pitch.
One of the most important decisions that Luis Enrique need to take is over the tactical set-up. Barcelona have been using 3-4-3 but they might opt to go back to the defence of four which they used against Real Sociedad on Saturday. It’s not a step back to reinforce the defensive zone, because playing with two fullbacks can open up the pitch and create more space for Messi.
After the debacle in Turin Barcelona have been thinking about it, but they also need to pay attention to what Juventus do.
The stats are significant. In the 13 games in which Messi has not scored, Barcelona have won just four, along with four draws and five defeats. When Messi scores, Barcelona almost always win.
The question isn’t over whether he will find the net but if he can enter the play. And Leo is crucial for the trident to work. If he is active, both Neymar and Luis Suarez usually score.
Messi didn’t have a good game in Turin, although that was down to the good tactical planning of Juve more than anything. The Argentine tried everything and ended up in the middle of the pitch to try and find the ball. This time the idea is that he receives it much closer to the area, a decisive part of the pitch.
Against PSG Messi provided pass after pass to set up team-mates. In Turin he made chances too, but his team-mates could not beat Gianluigi Buffon.
At Barcelona they are convinced Messi is the big hope to mont the comeback. Him and him alone. Another magical night against Juventus at Camp Nou would bring him the Ballon d’Or. Barcelona are in his hands.
