Real Valladolid 0-3 Barcelona: Change of system, change of feeling

Ronald Koeman made the first big changes to his tactical plan and Barcelona earned an impressive away victory against Real Valladolid.

Instead of 4-2-3-1, he went with three centre-backs in a 3-4-3, allowing Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest to play higher up and add more attacking width.

The first real chance Barcelona had came in the 20th minute when Pedri linked well with Messi and the Argentine had a shot from distance tipped over.

Moments later, Clement Lenglet sent the Catalans ahead. The defender headed home from Messi’s perfectly placed cross.

Martin Braithwaite netted the second with a close-range finish from Dest’s cross, another instance of excellent supply from the impressive young American.

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip made some solid stops from his ex-team-mate Messi, while Braithwaite had a couple of efforts early in the second half which were blocked and wide respectively. 

However Barcelona saved the best goal for last, with Pedri back heeling to Messi, who finished well, the end of a fine team move and another show of the great connection between the teen and the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“We played a complete game against Celta, the first away from home and won 3-0, today we played a complete game with few chances conceded,” said Lenglet. 

“(The new formation) went well, Jordi and Sergino were able to play higher up the pitch. We suffered a little but did quite well.”

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