Barcelona, the Blaugrana, the Catalan giants – they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of football, and their presence in PES 2018 is no different. Their intricate passing game, dazzling dribbling, and devastating finishing are a joy to watch, but can be a nightmare to play against. If you want to conquer the Camp Nou and unlock the secrets of their success, this guide will provide you with all the insights and tips you need to become a Barcelona master in PES 2018.

Understanding Barcelona’s Style of Play

Barcelona’s playing style, famously known as “tiki-taka,” revolves around possession-based football, intricate passing sequences, and fluid movement. This tactical approach emphasizes:

• High Possession: Dominating the midfield and keeping the ball for extended periods.
• Short, Precise Passing: Focusing on quick and accurate passes to maintain control and break down the opponent’s defense.
• Fluid Movement: Constant movement off the ball to create passing lanes and exploit spaces.
• Attacking Triangles: Creating triangular formations to ensure passing options and flexibility in attack.

Key Players to Master

Barcelona boasts a star-studded squad with renowned players in every position. To truly understand their gameplay, you need to master the strengths and weaknesses of their key players:

• Lionel Messi: The undisputed king of the pitch, Messi’s exceptional dribbling skills, accurate passing, and lethal finishing make him a game-changer.
• Luis Suarez: A relentless forward, Suarez combines strength, pace, and clinical finishing to pose a constant threat to opposing defenses.
• Andres Iniesta: A midfield maestro, Iniesta possesses incredible vision, precise passing, and exceptional dribbling skills. His ability to control the pace of the game is unparalleled.
• Sergio Busquets: A defensive midfielder who acts as the anchor of Barcelona’s midfield. His exceptional ball-winning skills, tactical awareness, and accurate passing make him a vital component of their game.
• Gerard Pique: A towering central defender, Pique’s strength, aerial prowess, and tactical awareness make him a difficult opponent to overcome.

Tactical Strategies for Playing Barcelona

Mastering Barcelona’s tactics is essential for success in PES 2018. Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Possession-Based Approach

• Use the ‘Short Pass’ option: This is essential for maintaining possession and creating passing triangles.
• Utilize the ‘Through Ball’ option: Exploit spaces by utilizing precise through passes to release your strikers.
• Keep the ball on the ground: Barcelona excels at short passing and ground combinations, so limit your use of long balls and crosses.

2. Counter-Attacking Strategies

• Exploit spaces: Once you dispossess the opponent, quickly transition into attack by utilizing your forwards’ pace.
• Utilize the ‘One-Two’ pass: This allows for swift movements and can unlock defenses.

3. Tactical Formations and Team Instructions

• Utilize the 4-3-3 formation: This formation mirrors Barcelona’s real-life setup, allowing for a balanced attack and defense.
• Adjust team instructions: Set instructions like “Keep Possession,” “Press After Loss of Possession,” and “Attack Wide” to align with Barcelona’s playing style.

Mastering Individual Skills

To excel as a Barcelona player in PES 2018, you need to master key individual skills:

• Dribbling: Practice using “L1 + R1” for tight dribbling, “R1 + R2” for powerful dribbling, and “L1 + R2” for quick turns to outwit defenders.
• Passing: Develop your accuracy and timing with various passing options, including “R2” for lobbed passes, “L2 + R1” for precise short passes, and “R1” for normal passes.
• Shooting: Utilize “R2” for power shots, “L2 + R1” for finesse shots, and “R1” for regular shots. Master your shooting angles and timing.
• Tackling: Practice using “R2” for hard tackles and “R1” for regular tackles to regain possession effectively.

Tips from a Pro

Here’s what renowned PES commentator, John “The Analyst” Smith, has to say about playing as Barcelona:

“Barcelona’s strength lies in their ability to control the game. Don’t be afraid to hold the ball and patiently build attacks. Look for opportunities to break through with quick, accurate passes. Remember, Messi is a game-changer, but the team is much more than just one player. Use your entire squad effectively to create scoring chances.”

Conclusion

Playing as Barcelona in PES 2018 is a rewarding experience, but it requires a deep understanding of their playing style and tactical approach. By mastering the key players, implementing the right strategies, and practicing individual skills, you can unlock their potential and dominate your opponents on the virtual pitch. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with patience and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Barcelona legend in PES 2018!

FAQ

• How do I set up Barcelona’s team instructions?

Go to “Team Instructions” and adjust settings like “Keep Possession,” “Press After Loss of Possession,” and “Attack Wide” to mirror Barcelona’s style.

• Is it necessary to use the 4-3-3 formation?

While the 4-3-3 formation best suits Barcelona’s playing style, you can experiment with other formations like the 4-4-2 or 3-5-2, but remember to adapt your team instructions accordingly.

• How can I improve my dribbling skills with Messi?

Practice using “L1 + R1” for tight dribbling, “R1 + R2” for powerful dribbling, and “L1 + R2” for quick turns.

• What are some good tactics to use against Barcelona?

Teams with a strong defensive line, quick counter-attacking players, and effective aerial abilities can challenge Barcelona’s dominance.

• How can I get the most out of Luis Suarez?

Utilize Suarez’s strength and pace by playing him through balls or utilizing the “R1 + R2” dribbling technique for powerful runs.