“Delicately poised”: why Barcelona’s away goal at PSG is “vital” after tight first leg – tactical analysis

The UEFA Women’s Champions League has reached the last four stage, and, for the first time since the 2014-2015 season, it didn’t include Lyon Feminin. That means that there will be debut champions this year, with Bayern Munich, Chelsea Women, Paris Saint-Germain Feminine and Barcelona Femeni having never won the competition before. This tactical analysis looks at the first leg of the tie between PSG and Barcelona, which ended 1-1. We will focus on PSG’s mistakes and second half changes, which helped them pose more of a threat after half-time, as well as Barcelona’s attacking tactics and mistakes during the game.

Lineups

PSG Feminin set up with a 4-1-4-1 formation, naming their strongest available team. The most notable omission was forward Kadidiatou Diani, who was injured. That meant that Canada full-back Ashley Lawrence was pushed forward to right wing, with USA defender Alana Cook coming into the defence in her place. Captain Irene Paredes played alongside Poland international Paulina Dudek, whilst former Brazil player Formiga was in the hole between the defence and midfield. Forward Sandy Baltimore, who was exceptional for France in the recent international fixture against England, lined up on the left wing, with the highly-rated Marie-Antoinette Katoto leading the line in attack.

Barcelona Femeni also started with a 4-1-4-1 formation. Former Liverpool Women and Arsenal Women striker Asisat Oshoala recovered from a foot injury to take her place on the bench, with Spain star Jennifer Hermoso starting upfront. Patricia Guijarro was suspended for this leg, so former PSG midfielder Kheira Hamraoui started in defensive midfield, allowing Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas to direct play from the centre of the pitch. Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen and the Netherlands’ Lieke Martens started as the wingers, with both given the freedom to drift inside when needed.