The starting point was a subtle change in their playing formation. Instead of their standard 4-3-3, with Lionel Messi as a deep-lying 'false nine' central striker, they lined up with a 3-4-3, based on a three-man defence of Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba. The essential difference from their normal approach was the traditional centre-forward role played by Villa, who has previously filled a left-wing berth in the 4-3-3. This was crucial because it kept the Milan centre-backs occupied rather than allowing them to concentrate solely on Mess.The midfield four can best be described as a diamond, with Sergio Busquets at the base, Andres Iniesta and Xavi more advanced and Messi at the tip - although he had plenty of freedom to roam.Then came the front three: David Villa through the middle with Dani Alves and Pedro hugging the right and left touchlines respectively. Something had to give. With a striker and four central midfielders to combat, Milan attempted to contain those central areas but that came at the expense of leaving space on the flanks, especially for Alves on the right. The Argentine's slightly deeper position also gave Barcelona an extra man in midfield, outnumbering Milan's defensive central trio of Massimo Ambrosini, Mathieu Flamini and Riccardo Montolivo by giving them four Barca players to contain.
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