In their last two big games, Barcelona have not only suffered two goal defeats but their offense has been missing in action. It is unusual for Lionel Messi to have two bad games in a row but as the heatmap evidence (the brighter colours represent most action) shows, Barca’s penetration in the final third of the pitch has been poor to say the least. This could be a limitation the ‘tiki taka’ brand of football has hit and Barcelona will have to, well, think inside the (penalty) box to break the shackles Milan put on them in the Champions League and Real did in the El Clasico last night. Time for the offense to stand up and be counted.
