The Modern 1-4-4-2
Atletico employ a very narrow midfield line and employ their wingers in the half spaces of the pitch. This allows them to control the central spaces due to increased spatial compactness
One of the weaknesses of a traditional 1-4-4-2 is that other teams can position players in your 10 space. A space typically left unoccupied by a 1-4-4-2. Atletico uses that to Atletico employ a very narrow midfield line and employ their their advantage by baiting teams into playing their 10 space wingers in the half spaces of the pitch. This allows them to as one of their 6 s steps to press. control the central spaces due to increased spatial compactness
The two 9 s who operate as wide center forwards in these situations, position themselves between the fullbacks and center backs in order to take away the fullbacks with their Atletico employ a very narrow midfield line and employ their cover shadows. This forces Barcelona to play into Atletico s wingers in the half spaces of the pitch. This allows them to 10 space where the 6 is ready to press control the central spaces due to increased spatial compactness
Atletico s compactness allows them to use quick combinations towards goal upon winning possession due to the closeness of the players to one another. They have plenty of passing options between lines and within lines to take advantage of Barcelona s width/depth in build up Atletico employ a very narrow midfield line and employ their wingers in the half spaces of the pitch. This allows them to control the central spaces due to increased spatial compactness
The midfield line is narrower than the defensive line in order to orchestrate a deep midfield press. The wingers place themselves in half spaces to maintain horizontal compactness and bait Barcelona to play wide, where they will be aggressively pressed giving Atletico control over the center of the field
The two HM s (6 s) movement is very important. The 6 s stagger with the ball side 6 stepping higher, while the weak side 6 drops to protect the CB s from diagonal balls into Messi
Atletico s compactness also allows them to counterpress their opponent due to their distances from one another. If they had width/depth, it would be much more difficult for them to be a man-oriented counter pressing team as Barcelona could simply pass out of pressure. By putting massive pressure on the ball carrier, Atletico overloads the player on the ball to force a decision or lose possession Atletico also has very good tacklers of the ball, which makes this more effective and possible
LB The narrowness of the midfield line again forces barca to play wide. Once they play wide, Atletico s midfield line shifts over to maintain compactness and isolate Iniesta from his teammates and passing options. The RB is ready to step to CF Neymar and the CF is ready to put Back pressure on Barca s LB CF RB
LB The back line of Atletico is less Horizontally compact in order to prepare for the potential big switch of play because Barca s players are skillful enough to play out of their pressing trap. Now the LB on Atletico has greater access to the ball if it is played wide. His pressure will allow the midfield line time to regain compactness on the other side CF CF RB