Almost a year prior, Harry Kane scored a goal for Bayern Munich against Barcelona, which, despite not altering the 4-1 match outcome, significantly influenced Wednesday`s Champions League fixture. Paris Saint-Germain`s striker Goncalo Ramos observed that goal and credited it with helping him exploit Barcelona`s high defensive line, leading to PSG`s 2-1 victory. Ramos, who came on as a substitute, delivered the decisive goal, showcasing PSG`s meticulous game preparation and his own awareness of how Kane previously dismantled Barcelona`s defense.
During Bayern Munich`s encounter with Barcelona, Kane had multiple opportunities to breach their high defensive strategy. His initial attempt to score was disallowed for offside, but on a subsequent chance, he maintained his forward position. Serge Gnabry then curved the ball perfectly for Kane to execute a powerful finish.
CBS Sports analyst Thierry Henry noted Kane`s disregard for Barcelona`s defenders, a recurring issue against Hansi Flick`s tactical setup.
“This player realized that in the first half, Barcelona`s defensive line pushes too far up, so there`s no need for him to drop back. He just ensured he stayed in an offside position. Why? Because if they switch the ball, and then switch it again, he would never be offside as he`d be behind the ball. He never tried to retreat to an onside position because he knew he would eventually be in play.”
Ramos`s goal was strikingly similar to Kane`s. Achraf Hakimi delivered an excellent ball into Ramos`s path while he was initially in an offside position, which Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny couldn`t save, securing the victory.
Ramos stated, “I spend a lot of time thinking about how to beat a high defensive line. It`s personally my favorite area to operate in. I positioned myself there, and we have very quick players coming from deep. Even against Barcelona, they showed a video of Harry Kane, I believe from two years ago, where he executed something similar to what I did for the goal, and he scored.”
PSG`s meticulous preparation, including redefining kick-offs to initiate their press, was again evident. This episode, however, underscores why Barcelona struggles in the Champions League unless they overhaul their defensive strategy and address the vast spaces they concede on the flanks. While Flick`s style often succeeds in La Liga and against most teams globally, it faces significant challenges against elite opposition. The fact that Ramos could replicate a goal from a year ago due to Barcelona`s unchanged defense highlights a critical flaw. Without tactical adjustments, Barcelona`s potent attack will be overshadowed by their persistent vulnerability to the offside trap.
