THERE WAS SOMETHING a little different from Barcelona this afternoon.
In light of recent poor performances, Luis Enrique opted for a 3-4-3 formation for the away La Liga trip to Atletico Madrid in La Liga. But, as so often in the past, the Blaugrana still needed Lionel Messi to win all three points.
Luis Enrique has considered a switch to 4-2-3-1 following the disastrous defeat to PSG in the Champions League earlier this month. But the Barca boss tried out 3-4-3 in this match, with Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Jeremy Mathieu at the back, Sergi Roberto in midfield, Neymar and Rafinha out on the wings and Messi in a free role.
It was an interesting change, but Barcelona conceded territory to Atletico in a dreadful first half.
Atletico looked as fluid as they have all season during the first half and carved out a series of strong chances, with Yannick Carrasco, Godin and Antoine Griezmann all going close. But the home side failed to make the most of their openings and Barca grew into proceedings.
Atletico’s ineffectiveness in front of goal was capitalised on when Rafinha opened the scoring just after the hour mark, though Godin headed the home side back on level terms. However, just as he did against Leganes last time out in LaLiga, Messi struck at the death to move Barca on to 54 points and back to the summit, where they will stay if Real Madrid fail to beat Villarreal
The tactical tweak was a brave one, but Barca lacked muscle in midfield, where Andres Iniesta is still short of full fitness, Roberto struggled back in his natural habitat and Messi is not best known for his physical presence.
