FC Barcelona vs Espanyol – La Liga Match Analysis

Magic in the middle of Mayhem

FC Barcelona were up against Espanyol after the International break, in a hotly contested Catalan Derby. Espanyol came in with an ultra defensive tactic which heavily cut down their attacking options. They were more determined to stop Barcelona from winning than looking for a win themselves. Valverde fielded a strong 11 against the physical opponents.

As usual, Barca looked affected by the International break blues and were lethargic and rusty. The Barca midfield was effectively shackled as Espanyol defended well and gave very little space. Since everyone was busy defending, there was not much of a threat in attack, though Borja looked dangerous in the rare counters.

Despite all the problems, Messi proved a constant threat, providing key passes, dribbling and attacking with intent. A composed Lenglet and a calm Pique stood strong during the occasional counters and Ter Stegen was least troubled.  

Despite Barcelona struggling to get over the defensive barrier, Espanyol were let off in the 1^st half by the misfiring Barca forwards, as Coutinho, Suarez, Rakitic and Messi, fell short when it came to finishing.  Though Coutinho was more involved than usual, he seemed to misread the movements of his teammates. Pique had a fantastic effort, from Messi’s free kick saved by Lopez.

At the start of the 2^nd half, the game looked more like pin-ball as the ball kept deflecting of various players. For Barca, the overworked Rakitic and Busquets improved with time. Valverde brought in Malcom for Arthur and Roberto for Semedo. 

While Malcom played on the left, Coutinho dropped into the midfield. The changes injected more pace into the Barca attacks. Alba, Rakitic and Messi attacked more as Barca upped the ante for a winner. During one such, majestic run Messi was brought down just outside the Espanyol Box and Barca earned a free kick. 

The Camp Nou came alive as they expected Messi to be on target.  The little magician was up to the task. He delicately lifted the ball over the wall and sent it into the goal. A surprised Sanchez who was defending on the goal line, tried his best to head it out and ended up obstructing his own goalkeeper Lopez. 

An equally surprised Busquets did very well to stay out of the ball’s trajectory while trying to suppress his utter shock of what was unfolding in front of him. The Barca supporters went wild and a joyous Messi celebrated with his teammates. (Welcome to the world of the perfect Panenka Free-kick.)

The enthusiastic Malcom was impressive since he came on and he out paced the Espanyol defense time and again. While one of his crosses was sent over by Messi, he himself missed a good one. The game drifted towards the final few minutes.

Espanyol did have a few good shots on target but a determined Lenglet was unshakable. He handled  every attack with an iron will. But with just a single goal separating the two teams, it was still anyone’s game as Espanyol looked for an equalizer. 

After a foiled Espanyol attack, Ter Stergen threw a long ball to Rakitic who teed it off to the racing Malcom who broke free of the defenders. Luis Suarez, anticipating the youngster’s run sprinted from the far right towards the goal. 

Everyone’s eye were on Malcom expecting him to cross to Suarez. But the young man spotted another sprint, right between him and Suarez  – that of Messi. He immaculately cut the ball back to Messi, who with a lethal shot sent it past the helpless Lopez. It was 2-0 and game over! It was a sublime team effort that was typical of Barca. 

In added time, Barcelona continued to attack. During the final counter, an over enthusiastic Messi took a swipe at Granero which went unpunished. He did seem apologetic and made up with Granero after the game. But it was totally uncalled for and Messi should have been given, at least, an yellow card for that offence. (Probably a little bit of Argentina had rubbed off Leo after the recent friendly.)

Despite not being at their best, FC Barcelona managed to come away with a 2-0 win which ensured that they stay on top with a 10 point margin. While everyone tried their best, Lenglet was absolutely phenomenal in defense. In the little time he was given, Malcom shone brightly and the young man should be playing for the team on a regular basis, if not starting.

If you have watched the popular action movies of Hollywood, some of the most violent scenes are suddenly shown in slow motion in complete silence. Its impact is extreme and shocking. Messi’s crazy yet astounding “Panenka Free-kick” was like a Zen moment in the middle of total pandemonium. His deception and delicate execution made it look easy, that added to the sheer beauty of the goal.

Messi - That Zen moment before the Magic unfolded

On a weekly basis, Lionel Messi have now been pulling audacious tricks out of his pockets to bail out Barcelona. There seems to be no stopping the Little Captain who is not only determined to win, but thoroughly enjoying himself in the process. He never ceases to surprise and we do not want him to stop.  

Coach Valverde’s changes in the 2^nd half once again proved to be a match winner. It’s the business end of the season and how the team copes with the pressures, injuries and fatigue will be crucial for a successful season, on all fronts. 

Barcelona need to re-group quickly because they have very challenging and hectic three weeks ahead with both mid-week and weekend games.

Image Credits - FC Barcelona and Google Images