Flick and the Vinicius problem: Barcelona can win the title in El Clásico, but one tactical question could change everything
Barcelona’s title hopes add extra weight to a Clásico shaped by stars, strategy and the battle to contain Madrid’s most dangerous threat.
This Sunday’s Clásico is special because it could mathematically hand Barcelona the title. Beyond that, it is like every other Barça-Madrid game: a clash between the two giants of Spanish soccer and a duel packed with stars. It is a face-off between two heavyweights, but it will also feature individual battles that could shape the final result.
How can Barça stop Vinicius?
One of them will be who is tasked with stopping Vinicius. Without Mbappé, the Brazilian has become Madrid’s main reference point and comes into the Clásico in outstanding form: devastating one-on-one, acting as the team’s leader and increasingly clinical in front of goal. Against Espanyol, he scored twice.
Not so long ago, Ronald Araújo was his main marker. He was the antidote Xavi Hernández came up with in a Clásico at the Bernabéu to cover Dani Alves’ absence. It worked for several games, to the point that Vinicius admitted the Uruguayan was the defender who marked him “best”; praise returned by the Barcelona player, who had no problem saying the Brazilian was almost unstoppable one-on-one. Later, Araújo’s anti-Vinicius effect began to fade and that individual duel became more even.
For the game at Spotify Camp Nou, that option appears to be off the table for Hansi Flick, who faces a strategic decision that could define the match. The German coach may be forced to shift his defense around to fit in the pieces he sees as non-negotiable in major games.
Koundé looks like the natural choice
Koundé, the most natural option at right back, has suffered against Vinicius – like every marker – but he is a defender with enough speed and physical power to handle the duel. He has not performed at the same level this season as he did last year, but Flick still trusts him.
Another alternative on the table is to place Eric García on the right flank. That would mean keeping the Cubarsí-Gerard Martín pairing at center back. The Martorell-born defender does not have Koundé’s speed but does offer better anticipation. The idea with Eric would be to seek greater control and encourage more possession in order to avoid counterattacks, where Vinicius feels at home. It will be interesting to see what Flick does because Eric García is his great utility player and someone who has played almost everything this season.
In any case, stopping Vinicius is not just a matter for one defender; it is a collective job. The Madrid forward needs very little to create danger and if Barcelona fail to stay close to him, press well and close passing lanes, whoever plays at full back will be badly exposed. The support and cover from the center back, Cubarsí, or the holding midfielder – Pedri, Gavi or De Jong – will be key.
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