Brest strategy against Barca leaked after whiteboard is captured by cameras

Barcelona are looking to respond to two disappointing performances against Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo against Brest in Tuesday evening's Champions League. The French side are undefeated in Europe so far and manager Eric Roy said in the build-up that if it comes down to tactics alone, they have already won. They've even given Barcelona a taste of their plan.

El Chiringuito noted that Brest had left out a whiteboard during training on the Montjuic field on Tuesday evening. The board not only shows the line-up, but also some important points of interest.

According to the board, their line-up will be Marco Bizot in goal, with a defense of Massadio Haidara, Brendan Chardonnet, Julien Le Cardinal and Kenny Lala, protected by a midfield of Hugo Magnetti and Mahdi Camara ahead of Edimilson Fernandes. The front line will consist of Abdallah Sima, who returns from injury, Ludovic Ajorque and Kamory Doumbia.

Part of their strategy written on the board is when they push high, 'manage the ball in possession', 'press high and force'. [Barcelona] wide to release Lewandowski and manage depth.' When Brest drops deeper into their own half, Roy has instructed his men to 'close the wing with one midfielder and the opponent's winger.' One final detail revealed is 'press at the moment of the step = push higher'.

Roy noted before the match that Brest had studied Celta and La Real for a blueprint on how to deal with this Barcelona. He also emphasized that the Blaugrana were a wounded animal coming from their last two games, and thus posed a bigger threat. The Blaugrana will still miss Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde, who have proven to be key figures this season.