Mourinho explains the tactic behind the Barcelona win

Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho gave a detailed account of the tactic his side used after their win over Barcelona. Mourinho said that attacking runs behind the Barcelona defence often did not produce results.

The experienced coach said the opposition defence was prepared for this kind of attack. He explained that they therefore tried a different approach, telling his players to move into free space. According to Mourinho, doing this with midfielders rather than forwards was the more effective solution.

Mourinho said that against Barcelona's prepared defence, forwards could end up offside or see their passes cut out by goalkeeper Joan Garcia. In such situations, he said, the way to break the defensive line was for midfielders such as Camavinga and Bellingham to join the attack.

The coach's comments showed that midfielders timing their movement into free space could upset the defensive balance. Mourinho also said that this approach worked in the match.