Think people are overblowing the tactical aspect of the first half honestly.
Like many have pointed out, it isn't rocket science to man mark our best players and then force the ball to our worst players. Fact is 3 out of 4 players in the backline are weak on the ball, and last night our outlets further up the field sucked aswell, with Fermin making poor use of the ball time and time again, García not involved really and Ferran fumbling all balls he touches. Lewa being questionable and dominated by their cbs, and Yamal always receiving the ball on the touchline with Cucu + 1 on his ass.
it's very hard to compete with 5-7 of your players not being very good on the ball.
People say we underestimate the physical abilities of previous succesfull teams, which is true, but shit do we overestimate our current technical abilities aswell.
From Iniesta -> Fermin
Pedro/Neymar -> Ferran
Mascherano -> Araujo
Alves -> Kounde
Abidal/Alba -> Balde
Busi -> Garcia
Eto'o/Suarez -> 38 year old Lewy
These are huge downgrades.
Likes of Pedri, FDJ, Cubarsí, Yamal obviously don't match the quality of Messi, Xavi etc, but atleast they have the level to play a role in big matches in the right setup.
A left side composed of Balde and Ferran will never be on a team that wins the CL now matter how tactically astute the manager is.
