(foto: Getty Images)
Barcelona demonstrated in El Clasico just how crucial perfect coordination in the backline is.
In the match against Real Madrid, Barcelona caught their rivals offside a staggering twelve times, which, despite some borderline calls, was far from accidental.
The impeccable timing and synchronization of Barcelona’s defensive line under Hansi Flick has been a hallmark of the team this season. Yesterday’s El Clasico performance was merely the pinnacle of a strategy Barcelona has expertly executed all season long.
In the 2024/25 season, Barcelona has already caught opponents offside a total of 77 times, leading by a wide margin among all teams from the top five leagues. In second place is Brighton from England with 35 offsides, followed by Fulham, Parma, and Osasuna—teams that often play in a more defensive stance against stronger opponents.
Asked about the effectiveness of setting the offside trap, Flick credited the discipline and attitude of his players. Spanish media report that Flick’s coaching staff includes two specialists dedicated exclusively to offside strategy, preparing players through detailed video analysis for these scenarios.