Either let Mateo through and recover defensively against the player receiving the pass, but then Mateo would be free.
Such scoring tactics are one of Barça's classic ways to score.
It's also one of the regular attacks centered around Mateo as the explosive point.
Bam!
Lu Yang makes a direct pass without stopping the ball.
Mateo gets the ball, but Peterk continues to stick with him, blocking his front side.
Bam!
Mateo chooses to return the ball without stopping it, then moves horizontally from the right side of the penalty area towards the left, running past the penalty spot.
Inside the penalty area, there are continuous fast one-touch passes.
This is a behavior that tests rapport greatly.
The opponent is likely unable to react, and most of the Ajax defenders have already lost their targets, in a state of physical rigidity.
But it's also difficult for teammates to react.
And this is one of Barça's attacking strengths.
