5 vs 4

The game we're analysing today is the Champions League quarter-final between Barça and Sporting Club de Portugal. The match ended in a 5-4 victory for the Spanish team, and it's our first deep dive into a 5vs4 situation.

As a reminder, follow these steps:

• Take a look at the video.
• Read and think about the analysis.
• Match the analysis and the video. It starts at 8:14.

Understanding the Scenario 

The first leg of the quarter-final ended 4-1 in favour of Sporting, meaning Barça needed to win by more than three goals to progress to the semifinals. According to hockey rules, a team typically has 4 players and a goalkeeper on the floor, but there are exceptions. For instance, if a player or coach receives a blue or red card, the team must play with 3 players and a goalkeeper for a certain period. Additionally, in the last 5 minutes of each half, teams are allowed to substitute their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player, creating the 5vs4 situation we're analysing today.

Positioning 

Barça regains possession, and we can immediately observe their setup. Stop the video and study the positioning: one player with the ball at 0, one at 9, another at 7, one at 3, and the last one at 10.

Moving 

The player at 0 passes to Alabart (Barça Nº3), positioned at 3. As Alabart receives the ball, Pau Bargallo (Barça Nº8) skates towards 4 to provide support. Alabart passes to Bargallo and then cuts in.

Inner Areas 

Joao Rodrigues (Barça Nº79), positioned at 9, prepares to receive the pass as soon as Bargallo has the ball. A defender intercepts the pass, but Alabart, who was cutting in, picks up the rebound behind the defender, skating along the area’s line. Alabart then changes speed and reaches the penalty spot without any defenders in place, allowing him to execute a quick flick shot.

Goalie 

Although this may seem like a straightforward save, the scenario complicates matters for the goalie. Alabart approaches from a corner with three players obstructing the goalie’s view, and the pass comes off a rebound, adding to the difficulty.

• Balance: Notice how Barça maintains their balance throughout the play. Initially, the team's positioning is well-structured, and when Alabart passes to Bargallo, they maintain their balance even as they start cutting in.
• Space: Despite having an extra player, Barça creates space by cutting in and clearing areas, while non-active players maintain open positions.
• Execution: The play is executed cleanly and simply. Alabart’s approach to the penalty box line is deliberate, without rushing to the goalie. He intentionally cuts in, ready for any scenario, and finishes with a quick flick shot to the top corner.