A gritty Barcelona Orchestra, led by Messi that mesmerized Wembley - Tottenham versus FC Barcelona - UCL Match Review

A gritty Barcelona Orchestra, led by Messi that mesmerized Wembley 

Tottenham versus FC Barcelona - UCL Match Review 

Towards the fag end of the game, a sprinting Jordi Alba (can’t believe he still had that much energy) took the ball off the defender and gave one of his signature crosses to Luis Suarez who was rushing in without any control. But instead of scoring he dummied and the ball rolled towards Messi who finished it with s simple tap in to seal the game. An exhausted Messi fell into the arms of a tired Suarez as if the two friends needed each other for support. Soon the weary group of Barcelona teammates joined the duo, with a sense of relief and it was group hug time. That final moment of glory beautifully summed up Barcelona’s memorable night at the Wembley against the fighting Spurs.

It was a much-depleted Spurs team who were missing many of its key players due to injury but they took the fight to Barcelona. The atmosphere was enthralling as the entire stadium (with the exception of a handful of Barcelona faithful) rooted for the home team.

In a surprise move, Valverde included the inexperienced Arthur in the starting line up along with Coutinho, Busquets and Rakitic. With Messi added in, it looked like a crowded midfield. Lenglet came in for the suspended and injured Umtiti with Semedo, the off-color Pique and Alba forming the rest of the defensive backline. Suarez was the lone striker and Dembele was on the bench.

FC Barcelona started off with purpose. Within the first 3 minutes, Messi gave a jaw-dropping pass that found Alba. For some inexplicable reason, Lloris rushed in to prevent Alba from scoring. But Alba crossed it to the lurking Coutinho who scored with panache and Barcelona were in front. It was the Brazilian’s first goal for Barca in UCL.

Finding themselves down so early, Spurs attacked with intensity. Lamela and Kane supported by Lucas Moura and Son caused trouble for the brittle Barcelona defense. But surprisingly everyone was behind defending including Messi. They tightened up things and regularly caught the Tottenham forwards in offside traps, especially Son.

Despite a few mistakes, Lenglet was steady and up to the task. He was given the unenviable job of marking Harry Kane. He did a fantastically with Pique and Busquets supporting him whenever needed. Though far from their best, Pique and Semedo never stopped. Ter Stegen was tested and the German managed to bring in an acrobatic save. Busquets was quietly regal as ever.

The Barcelona midfield with the exception of Rakitic were solid. Rakitic was off in the 1^st half  (not a surprise as the Croatian had never been rested.) and gave away the balls and was not at his usual best in passing. 

The debutant Arthur was a surprise package. Though his ability was never in doubt, to debut in Champions League in such a tense away game was a big ask. But the young Brazilian was fearless and linked seamlessly with the team. He is astute and has a promising future.

Despite the constant threat of Tottenham, Messi kept giving impeccable pass after pass to his teammates. Like a man possessed he was all over Wembley.  He went deep tackling and defending. He was in the midfield conjuring unbelievable passes and he was up front threatening to score when chances came his way.

As frustration grew, Tottenham became more physical with Busquets, Messi, Pique and Coutinho at the receiving end of some special treatment. There was a huge scare as Busquets needed treatment after a hefty challenge. Pique also took a heavy knock.

As Tottenham continued to press harder, Messi found the space to send in another of his amazing passes that fell to Coutinho. Though his shot was parried off, a determined Coutinho incredibly kept the ball in play. Rakitic who was not in his elements till then, turned up in style and sent the returning ball with a stunning half volley that made it 2-0 for Barcelona.

Despite missing to score from a lovely chance set up Messi, an undaunted Luis Suarez (looking much younger in his clean shaved avatar) never stopped.  The street-smart Uruguayan was a constant nuisance and threat up front driving the Spurs’ defense and Lloris nuts. He never rested and wrestled constantly with the burly Spurs defenders to get back the ball.

After being frustrated in the first half, the Spurs came out with an attacking mindset in the 2^nd half. They went forward with more purpose. But it also left spaces upfront. Messi managed to break free and his shot came off the woodwork. In a couple of minutes, it was action replay as the goal post came to the rescue of Tottenham. Messi’s swerving shot once again hit the same post.

In a few minutes, a quick counter attack from Tottenham saw Kane go past Semedo and score from a well-aimed, curling effort. It brought the crowd to its feet. The game was on the edge at 2-1. But then once again Messi was onto to one of his magical moves. He curled in another killer cross that was received by Alba who set up Suarez with a neat pass. An extremely aware Suarez left it, for a sprinting Messi to finish off with aplomb. (it was eerily similar to the two earlier ones that hit the post but it was a much more delicate touch by the magician). Barcelona were up 3-1.  

The determined Tottenham were not ready to give in. Kane managed to take the ball away from Alba and set up Lamela. Lamela’s shot took a slight deflection off Lenglet and Ter Stegen was beaten as Spurs looked to make a comeback. It wass 3-2 and the vociferous crowd got behind their team.

Spurs kept up the pressure, but an inspired Barcelona toiled relentlessly, preventing them from scoring. Seeing the momentum shift in their favour, Spurs became more aggressive as they looked for an equalizer. The game was on the edge.  For Barcelona, Arturo Vidal and Rafinha came in as subs for  Arthur and Coutinho.

Then came the late, and final goal from Leo Messi, that hit the last nail in the coffin as Barcelona buried Spurs with a hard-fought and well-earned 4-2 victory.  Everyone involved in the game deserved a rest for the amount of work they put in. It was inspired stuff and everyone contributed  for Barcelona.  

While all the players had a great game, one guy had an exceptional outing – a 10 out of 10 performance. Yesterday in the middle of the night I felt drunk with the elixir that Messi poured all over Wembley with his magical feet.

At times he was beckoning and directing the youngsters like Arthur, Lenglet, Coutinho and Semedo, helping them get more involved in the game and gain more confidence in the process. ( I thought I saw Xavi again in Barca colors). He was tackling and getting the balls back. He was giving telepathic passes to the likes of Alba and Suarez (I was seeing glimpses of Iniesta). He was at the the start and end of many moves. He finished off with elan (reminding me of a bright 23 year old  Messi).

Somehow he single-handedly managed to do what the glorious trio of  Messi, Iniesta and Xavi achieved together. The then Golden Trio of Barca had left its immortal trail in the form of a Magnificent Captain today. 

Unlike the recent La Liga games, it was made memorable by an eager bunch off teammates who were sashaying to his mesmerizing tunes against a feisty Tottenham.

It was not flawless. But it was a spirited game that saw both teams trying their best. .

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