Playing at home, Barca was confused by Real’s high-altitude pressing style in the first half.

Barca then also found opportunities, but like Real, they did not take advantage of them successfully.

Messi missed an opportunity in the second half.

In this match, coach Ernesto Valverde replaced a position at the last minute, when Ivan Rakitic started instead of Sergio Busquets.

But the biggest key is the use of a high-block formation to steal the ball right from the opponent’s field.

In the fourth minute, Messi flicked the ball from home for Jordi Alba to break the offside trap and slide down to cross with one touch.

Isco (right) and Real created many opportunities in the first half.

Barca gradually had many opportunities when the intensity of the away team’s pressure decreased towards the end of the first half.

It’s difficult for Barca to advance the ball partly because the midfielders don’t risk pulling the ball up from their home field.

If Barca scores in this situation, VAR will not recognize it because Griezmann let the ball touch his hand without the referee observing it.

VAR caught Mendy offside.

In the remaining minutes, the match reduced its intensity and dangerous opportunities.

Competition list

Barca: ter Stegen, Semedo (Vidal 56′), Pique, Lenglet, Alba, Rakitic, Roberto, de Jong, Griezmann (Fati 83′), Suarez, Messi

Real: Courtois, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Mendy, Casemiro, Valverde (Modric 80′), Kroos, Bale, Benzema, Isco (Rodrygo 80′)

*See La Liga Scoreboard