LaLiga 2018-19, Barcelona 3-4 Real Betis: 6 reasons why Barcelona lost the match

#4 Ernesto Valverde’s questionable tactics

Valverde made some inexplicable tactical decisions

Valverde has built a solid reputation in Spain as an astute manager over the last decade, and it is for his work with Athletic Bilbao that he was hired in the vacant Barcelona role following the departure of Luis Enrique in 2017.

And the 54-year-old guided the Catalans to a domestic double in his first season in charge.

Against Real Betis however, he got his team selection totally off from the get-go. He had Coutinho unavailable due to injury, so decided to reward summer signing Malcom for his impressive cameo against Inter Milan in midweek with his first La Liga start.

It was a move that backfired, as Malcom struggled to keep pace with his strike partners, as their time on the pitch together showed all the signs of a partnership which has not been used together before.

Malcom is predominantly a left-footer, and him playing on the right wing which is normally occupied by the right-footed Coutinho meant that Barcelona found themselves short in a key attacking outlet.

Also, Barcelona played too wide, as Valverde sought to exploit the width of the Nou Camp, but in this regard, he was outwitted by Setien.

Betis wingers Joaquin and Junior constantly exploited the spaces afforded them by Barcelona, deploying a highline in defence to devastating effect.

Valverde has earned a lot of rave reviews for his tactical nous since becoming Barcelona coach, but on the night, he got his tactics spot off, and it cost Barcelona dearly.