White doubles their pawns in order to put pressure along the new semi-open file. Moreover, suddenly the a4-knight is perfectly placed, putting an aye on the c5-square and stopping Black's counterplay based on a4.
Simple and effective chess. White is doubling rooks, increasing the pressure.
Black has all their pieces defending the weakness on c6, far away from their king, and therefore White initiates a dangerous attack.
It is very typical to get rid of the doubled pawns at the first chance that we have. By doing that, we are not only improving our structure but also opening the position for our bishops.
Black naturally wants to capture with the bishop if possible.
12...dxc4? naturally taking back would lead to doubled pawns once again.
12...dxc4? naturally taking back would lead to doubled pawns once again.
and finally Black eliminates the doubled pawns next move. The position is quite dangerous for White since the two bishops are extremely dangerous along the a6-f1 and b6-g1 diagonals.
This is one of the main plans in these kinds of structures, opening the diagonal for the dark-squared bishop. Now the white bishops directly target the black king, and White's attack will be unstoppable.
17...Nxc4 looks super strong for Black, but White is winning after the precise 18.Qe4 g6 19.Bxc4 Qxc4 20.Qe5! f6 21.Qe6+ Rf7 22.Rc1
followed by d6.
followed by d6.