FC Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has shared insights into a key factor contributing to the first team’s success under manager Hansi Flick, in an interview with the popular Catalan outlet RAC1.

Barcelona are currently soaring under the German manager, having recently opened up a six-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Flick also masterminded a 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich, his former club and Barcelona’s long-standing "bogey team," in the Champions League.

While a meticulously devised strategy was instrumental in both emphatic victories, Flick’s well-executed offside trap proved especially effective at the Bernabeu last Saturday, as Barca triumphed 4-0 over Los Blancos in El Clasico.

Barcelona caught Madrid offside a staggering 12 times, with Kylian Mbappe being caught out on eight occasions, preventing him from scoring at least two goals.

Speaking to RAC1, Cubarsi explained the tactical methodology behind this essential feature of Barcelona’s defensive play, which has denied their opponents 11 goals in total so far this season.

“Tactically, we work on the defensive line, but above all, it comes down to communication—ensuring that all four of us are communicating and coordinating effectively,” Cubarsi said.

“If one of us steps up, the others hold the line,” he added, acknowledging that this tactic may appear particularly risky to those watching.

“When I see it from the sidelines, I think, ‘Uff, a ball played in behind could hurt us here’. But on the pitch, you trust the line and your teammates. If we all move together, the opposition will be offside.”

“It’s different for a centre-back, who is positioned further back, compared to a midfielder. We also consider whether there is pressure on the ball or not. When there’s pressure, it’s easier to step up, as it becomes more difficult for the opposition to play a ball in behind,” Cubarsi elaborated.

On Sunday at Montjuic, Cubarsi is expected to start alongside his defensive partner Inigo Martinez against Espanyol. The pair may need to employ the offside trap again, as Barcelona embark on a busy schedule of three La Liga and Champions League matches over the next 12 days, before the upcoming international break. Flick may consider rotating his squad for these fixtures.