- by Braydon de Liberato, writing from Canada
Both Shakhtar and Barcelona are very versatile sides, and nothing symbolizes this more then their respective fullbacks. Both sides’ fullbacks are very attack-minded, particularly their respective right backs, Dani Alves for Barcelona and Darijo Srna for Shakhtar. Alves has been known to often play as high up as a winger, which will cause problems for Shakhtar’s defense. Sides have often dealt with Alves’ attacking threat by ‘doubling him up’ with two defensive-minded players on the left. Given Shakhtar’s usual style of play, with a compact defense generating offense on the counter, this is a likely solution. Barca’s left back is traditionally Eric Abidal, but could be Adriano for at least the opening tie. Both are attack-minded, but their threat will be easier to quell then that of Alves. Shakhtar’s fullbacks, Srna and Razvan Rat, are similar in style to Barcelona’s fullbacks. Their overlapping runs always contribute to Shakhtar’s success. Barcelona won’t find it to be a stroll in the part stopping Shakhtar’s fullback threat, but in their experience with attacking fullbacks, the mantra will be ‘fight fire with fire’. Barcelona’s wide forwards (and Dani Alves) have the ability to pin back Shakhtar’s fullbacks with relative ease.
So far in the Champions League this year, the two sides have taken very different approaches to their fixtures, with Barcelona putting it to the opposition defense, and Shakhtar mainly playing on the counter. Sides that have thwarted the blaugrana have traditionally played on the counter, such as Inter Milan in the Champions League last term and Hercules in La Liga earlier this season. It isn’t likely Shakhtar will stray from these tactics, but if they want to have a shot against the former world champions, they need to force pressure on Barca’s midfield. Sides that have beat Barcelona have all quelled their midfield trio effectively, and if Shakhtar wants to join them, they will have to do the same. Playing with two solid banks of four seems a likely tactic, as it will give double coverage on Alves’ wing, stop the diagonal balls that Barca use so effectively, and choke the space Lionel Messi is afforded. As well, if Shakhtar sticks with this, Barca’s fullbacks will continually push higher, leaving enough space at the back that even a few clever counter attacks will spell Barcelona’s doom in Europe.
Indeed, this year’s Champions League quarter final is very much open, and there is no one favorite. Shakhtar Donetsk have surprised many this year with their superior ability and poise. They haven’t gotten this far on luck, and only time will tell how far Shakhtar will get on their European adventure.
