In the twenty-ninth minute of the match, Barcelona launched a quick attack through midfield and sent the ball straight to the right side of the attacking third.
Barcelona's intention was obvious: attack the space left behind Marcelo after he pushed forward to support the attack.
But the moment Sánchez received the ball, Javi Martínez had already appeared beside the Chilean winger, using his body to block Sánchez and forcing him to stop the ball without being able to turn.
At that moment, Messi suddenly appeared on the right to support Sánchez.
With his back to the direction of attack, the Chilean winger carried the ball back a step, then suddenly flicked it behind himself, attempting to play it to Messi so that Messi could carry the ball forward and charge directly at Real Madrid's defense. However, Javi Martínez had seen through his intentions.
Martínez stuck out a foot in time to intercept the ball, leaving Messi's quick forward run empty. After winning possession, Martínez immediately sent the ball forward.
Marcelo, who had been tracking back the entire way, reacted at once. He quickly came to a stop, turned around, caught up with the ball again, and sent it forward with one touch.
Real Madrid launched a swift counterattack.
Yang Yang accelerated incredibly quickly and immediately chased after it.
Alves had also pushed forward during the earlier counterattack, hoping to support Sánchez. But the attack suddenly broke down and Real Madrid launched a quick counter. The Brazilian right-back had been caught off guard and had no chance of catching Yang Yang.
Pique immediately moved across to the left flank to mark Yang Yang, and the two met near the left corner of the penalty area.
After catching up with the ball, Yang Yang cut inside at an angle toward the penalty