Defense
The backline demonstrated an improved ability in their passing and in dealing with Barcelona’s attacking threat. Putting the quicker Couto and Svensson at the wing-back positions helped Dortmund keep Raphina and Yamal at bay.
The passing performance from the central defenders significantly improved the ability to move the ball up the field. Passing accuracy from the center backs was up from 76% in Barcelona to 85% on Tuesday. Passes into the final third went from 3 to 7, and progressive passes of over 10 yards improved from 2 to 9.
Ball carrying also improved from the back three as they carried the ball progressively 205 yards more than the center backs did the prior week. For the wing-backs, Svensson was more active than Yan Couto. Svensson had 63 touches, four shot-creating actions, four progressive passes of 10 or more yards, and two progressive carries of 10 or more yards. Cuoto had 34 touches, one shot creating action, two progressive passes of 10 or more yards, and one progressive carry of 10 or more yards.