Barcelona started the 'Setién era' with a win 1-0 against Granada. Barca dominated but had to wait until the last minute to take all 3 points.
Beyond the result, what raised more expectation was the new manager's tactics.
There was a lot of desire to see how Setién's Barca would play, and from the outset, his plan didn't disappoint.
During the match, a Barcelona could be seen who varied their formation in search of the tactical surprise.
Although on paper it was a clear 4-4-3 formation, the attack was added to by Jordi Alba's positioning.
The Barca LB became almost a LW and Barca went on to play practically a 3-3-4.
Umtiti, Piqué and Sergi Roberto were in defence. In midfield were Busquets, Vidal and Rakitic. Up top were Griezmann and Messi who played a more central role, dropping to the midfield several times, while on the wing were Jordi Alba and Ansu Fati.
The youth player was very active during the first half and made the most of the combinations with Messi and his speed to penetrate the Granada defence.
Setién planned a wide team knowing that Granada would be very much in retreat. The plan worked, but the lack of goal made the match seem closer.
This 3-3-4 (or 3-5-2 in some moments) forced the team into a different defensive balance, which focused mainly on high pressing.
The high number of Barca players in Granada's half invited it. A key player in this was Busquets, who often led the high pressure in Granada's box.
The player who suffered a lot under Valverde's formation, was free with Rakitic and Vidal covering him. The Chilean was superb in all areas of the park.
Furthermore, the forward lines smothered a Granada who didn't have the time or legs to think and search for a counter-attack.
In the few occasions in which Granada managed to overcome this Barcelona pressure, Barca's formation reverted to this traditional 4-3-3, with Jordi Alba occupying his LB role again.
A few changes that, although they were the first time, they have now made it clear that this Barcelona, for better or for worse, is another team from what everyone knew under Valverde.