If there was one game that could perfectly exemplify Barcelona’s 2018-2019 campaign, it would be the 2019 Copa del Rey final.
For much of the contest, Barcelona played the game as they were best suited to do so with controlling pace of play and dominating possession. Although they spent a vast amount of the game in Valencia’s defensive third, Barca did not click while in the attack. The holders passed the ball horizontally without much direction and took over 20 shots but were unable to break through Valencia’s sturdy 4-4-2 defensive setup. Without many off-ball movements or threatening runs into the box, the game plan for Barca was predictable and undemanding to contain.