For the game against Real Sociedad at Reale Arena, Xavi opted to change the team’s tactics.

Barcelona opted to play three centre-backs – Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.

In midfield, Xavi deployed Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Pedri and Alejandro Balde, while Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres and Roberto Lewandowski started in attack.

Xavi’s 3-5-2 system worked to good effect especially in the second-half.

Explaining the change in system, the Barca boss said: “The change of system was to adapt to Real Sociedad. They played with two strikers, and we needed to have one defender left.

“It was a risk, sure. But we saw how good it can be when the players understand the system like they did in the second half.”