FCBBarçaClub page
AVLAston VillaClub page
Squad value€1.3bn
Squad value€633.7m
Key playerRaphinha
Key playerNicolas Jackson
Head coachHansi Flick
Head coachUnai Emery
Live on Canal+ · France
Live on DAZN or Prime Video · Germany
Live on RTÉ, Premier Sports or Virgin Media · Ireland
Live on Sky Sport or Prime Video · Italy
Live on Ziggo Sport · Netherlands
Live on Movistar Plus+ · Spain
Live on TNT Sports or Prime Video · UK
Live on Paramount+, TUDN or DAZN · USA
Barça's back line stands miles up the pitch, and Villa's new striker sprints in behind the second they win it.
“Villa also carried a threat on the counter-attack, primarily utilising the pace of new signing Nicolas Jackson in transition.”“En banda izquierda, el constante y profundo Álvaro García, sus 33 años, sigue siendo un arma a tener en cuenta ante defensas que, como la del Barça, juega con muchos metros a sus espadas.”On the left wing, the relentless, deep-running Álvaro García, at 33, is still a weapon to watch out for against defences that, like Barça's, play with a lot of ground behind them. our translation
Slight favourites: Barça.
Flick's own rule: if you have the ball, the other side cannot score.
“Si vous avez la possession du ballon, l'adversaire ne peut pas marquer.”If you have possession of the ball, the opponent cannot score. our translation
Flick's Barcelona go forward quickly and smother you when they lose the ball.
“Un equipo que es una máquina ofensiva, vertical y de presión asfixiante que combina el rigor físico con la vocación ofensiva, esencia del estilo Barça.”A team that is an attacking machine, direct and suffocating in its pressing, combining physical rigour with an attacking vocation, the essence of the Barça style. our translation
Flick's Barça now keep the ball for long spells, moving it until a gap opens, which they never used to do under him.
“The trend matters because Barcelona's passing volume is rising at the same time as their share of possession.”Villa go long far more than they used to: Tottenham prepared for a side playing 86% more long balls than last season.
“De Zerbi admitted Tottenham knew Villa were playing “86% more long balls than last season”, according to The Guardian’s post-match report.”Villa defend in two tight rows of players and close off the middle of the pitch. Opponents end up passing sideways in front of them for long spells.
“Arsenal had to be patient in possession, as Villa deployed a compact 4-4-2 structure that restricted central progression.”They will not chase you around the pitch. Villa sit back, keep their shape and wait for you to make the mistake.
“Out of possession they sat deeper, prioritising structure over higher pressure.”