We can expect plenty of action down Barcelona’s left side and Chelsea’s right, which is where both sides create the majority of their chances.
Ibaceta anticipates Chelsea will have plenty of space on that side – setting up the prospect of a fascinating tactical battle as the likes of Lucy Bronze and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd face off with Putellas and Salma Paralluelo.
“Essentially what Barcelona do is put a winger on the left side for decoration,” Ibaceta said.
“Esmee Brugts comes into the middle to create a midfield four and that entire left side of the pitch is left for one person.
“It is the biggest strength of Barcelona, they are able to leave an entire wing for the full-back, but that does leave the backline quite vulnerable. Against Chelsea it is not going to be the easiest thing to do.
“Mapi Leon and Irene Paredes are good but they are slow and a bit older now. They are very open to making mistakes, especially with strong players and in a physical battle, they do struggle with that.”
Barcelona typically press much higher than Chelsea but have shown in their defeats this season that they are vulnerable to conceding on the counter attack, where Chelsea’s forwards, particularly Mayra Ramirez, thrive.
“How many goals have we seen where Mayra is cutting through?” Sharples asked.
“Barcelona play such a high line, which they are used to doing in Spain because nobody is getting at them.
“But if you can get at them with speed and power, down the flanks especially, they can be exploited.”
Leave a Reply