Although Barcelona defeated Alavés away from home, a 12BET Malaysia review described the victory as little more than a lucky escape. There was no clear issue with the players’ attitude, but tactically, the match looked like a complete mess. The tension between Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal during the game also seemed to come from emotions boiling over in a tight contest. In short, Xavi still appears not to understand one key point: without two true superstars, there is no reason to force a tactical model that tries too hard to imitate Pep Guardiola.
As a La Masia graduate, Xavi has continued to insist on Barcelona’s traditional possession-based passing football since becoming head coach. From the perspective of 12BET Malaysia, this approach may feel familiar to both Xavi and Barcelona, but in the current squad, it looks like a suit that no longer fits properly. In many matches, Barcelona have struggled badly to break down opponents sitting deep in a defensive shape. Because the team lacks a clear structure to escape pressure, rivals can stop Barcelona’s attacks simply by holding their positions well. This is one of the biggest reasons behind the club’s finishing problems.
Even last season, Barcelona won many matches by only a single goal. This season, the situation has become even worse because Xavi’s tactics have already been studied by other LaLiga teams. On top of that, Barcelona no longer have the same world-class stars they once relied on, making it far easier for opponents to defend against them. Of course, Xavi fits Barcelona’s football identity well. But to support this kind of system, absolute control in midfield is essential. That was clearly shown during the legendary Barcelona era when Xavi and Andrés Iniesta dominated the center of the pitch and powered the club’s historic six-trophy season.
After Xavi and Iniesta left, Barcelona entered a difficult transition period. Even then, Lionel Messi remained a decisive weapon who could break open any defense by his presence alone. His passing, dribbling, ability to draw fouls, and danger within 30 meters of goal always gave opponents something to fear. As the saying goes, whether yesterday, today, or tomorrow feels difficult, a clear heart can still make it a good day. For Barcelona, Messi was the light that kept the entire tactical system alive.
Guardiola uses a similar tactical idea at Manchester City, but his most important piece has been Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder creates the link between midfield and attack, playing a key role in breaking down defensive lines. Even when he has been absent, players such as Julián Álvarez and Phil Foden have helped cover that gap, allowing City to maintain their tactical rhythm.
In the end, Barcelona’s possession-based football cannot fully work without a player in the mold of De Bruyne or Messi. Yet Xavi is still trying to make the current squad play the same football Barcelona used in the past. That is where the problem begins. Possession without incision becomes predictable, and passing without purpose gives opponents time to breathe. In modern football, keeping the ball is not enough if there is no player who can turn control into danger.
Lewandowski, who scored twice against Alavés, also became emotional during the match because he lacked enough support from his teammates. A 12BET Malaysia assessment points out that Barcelona currently do not seem to have a creative player capable of properly connecting the midfield with the attack. No matter how cold and difficult tomorrow may be, even the best tactical plan becomes meaningless without the right link between the lines. Barcelona’s present reality is trapped in that very disconnect.