FC Porto and FC Barcelona have crossed paths innumerable times throughout the years in the UEFA Champions League, both at the topmost tier of European football. Their clashes were replete in drama and emotion while depicting classically engraved funangeering. The team lineups are critical in these matches and often times determine the outcomes of highly contested fights. This article focuses on the fc porto vs fc barcelona lineups most recent encounters and discusses their tactical formations, crucial moments and starting XI selections.
FC Porto vs FC Barcelona: First Encounter (October 4, 2023)
This bow is dated on the calendar for the round robin fixtures of the 2023 – 24 UEFA Champions league group stage. It was hosted by the Dragao Stadium in Portugal. Both franchises turned out with their best quads as they looked to grab crucial early points.
Starting XI FC Porto (4-4-2 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: Joao Mário, Fábio Cardoso, David Carmo, Wendell
- Midfielders: Pepe, Stephen Eustáquio, Alan Varela, Wenderson Galeno
- Forwards: Evanilson, Mehdi Taremi
Notable Absence: The team did not feature experienced head Pepe who was currently nursing an injury.
Starting XI FC Barcelona (4-3-3 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Marc Andre ter Stegen
- Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde.
- Midfielders: Oriol Romeu, Gavi, Ilkay Gündogan.
- Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Joao Felix.
Match Result: Through an incredible strike from Ferran Torres, Barcelona managed to win the match by a slim margin of 1-0 on the stroke of halftime.
FC Porto vs FC Barcelona: Second Encounter (November 28, 2023)
The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys In Barcelona commsioned the return fixture. Porto was looking for vengeance, while Barcelona was looking to unscrupulously solidify their grip on first in the group.
FC Barcelona Starting XI (4-3-3 Formation)
- Goalkeeper Inaki Pena
- Defenders: Iñigo Martinez, Jules Kounde, Joao Cancelo, Joao Cancelo
- Midfielders: Pedri, Gunderan Ilkay, De Jong Frenkie
- Forwards: Joao Felix, Lewandowski Robert, Raphinha
Key Change: Inaki Layna came in for Ter Stegen, who was substituted. Layna took over the goalkeeping position.
FC Porto Starting XI (4-4-2 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: Joao Mário, Pepe, Fabió Cardoso, Zaidu Sanusi
- Midfielders: Pepe, Stephen, Eustáquio, Alan Varela, Wenderson Galeno
- Forwards: Evanilson, Mehdi Taremi
Match Result: 2-1 for Barcelona. Goals by Joao Cancelo and Joao Félix for Barcelona and the sole goal by Porto’s Pepe.
Tactical Observations
FC Porto Strategy set-up 4-4-2
- Defensive pattern was designed with two holding midfielders for good coverage.
- A low block was paired with speedy wingers to counterattack.
- Mehdi Taremi was used as a decoy to drag defenders away from him and create space behind the defensive line.
FC Barcelona Strategy set-up 4-3-3
- Build up play over the pitch through controlled possession and keep moving around the ball was their strategy.
- Joao Cancelo also came infield to use his foot to dominate both midfield and full-back positions.
- Depended on Lewandowski to spearhead the offensive unit.
Conclusion
Both FC Porto and FC Barcelona have shown their utmost strategic expertise in the two matches. Porto had to depend on counter attacking after solid defensive work, whereas Barcelona were able to secure two difficult wins due to their solid midfield and great attack. These matches showed how every tactical option and even the choice of the squad has its weight in decisive Europe battles.
FAQ’s
When did the FC Porto and FC Barcelona last match?
The last match between FC Porto and FC Barcelona was November 28, 2023.
What was the result of the FC Porto and FC Barcelona last match ?
Barcelona won 2-1 in last match on November 28, 2023.
What formation did FC Barcelona used?
FC Barcelona used 4-3-3 Formation in both matches.
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