Barcelona versus Valencia - Laliga Match Analysis - Sept 14, 2019

Barcelona versus Valencia - Laliga Match Analysis - Sept 14, 2019

LaLiga this season is available in India only through Facebook live streaming. While last year we had at least 3 matches telecast live, every week, in Sony Ten channels, this year we are at the mercy of Facebook. The video quality is low and the commentary is awful. The only positive are the pre and post-match review team panelists who are better than the ones we are used to seeing on TV.

Match Summary:

Coming to the Barcelona-Valencia game, Valencia came into the game with ugly internal turmoil after coach Marcelino's sudden sacking. Barca were expected to be better at home despite Messi not playing. The good news for Barca was that Luis Suarez was available after an injury lay-off and was named on the bench.

In less than 2 minutes, the exciting new kid on the block - Ansu Fati - found the net with a clean finish, assisted ably by the impressive De Jong. Playing on the left flank, Fati was constantly attacking, giving Garay a torrid time.

One of his runs resulted in the 2nd goal in quick succession. Using his pace and technique, the enthusiastic Fati went past Garay and then cut back a great cross which was finished off emphatically by De Jong. Its was Frenkie’s first goal for Barca.

On the front foot, so early in the game and with the crowd behind them, Barcelona continued to attack. Busquets was allowed space and time in the middle and he proved effective in connecting with the forward line. Fati and Perez had chances to enhance the lead further, but they missed. As the game progressed, Valencia found their groove and started to counter.

While Barcelona had more possession and managed to pin the opponents in their own half, most of the time, Valencia looked dangerous during the counter attacks. The trio - Rodrigo, Gameiro and Guedes threatened from time to time.

 Valencia grew in confidence and the usual suspects started to make the usual mistakes. Busquets, Alba and Semedo were the ones who faltered under pressure, failing to defend effectively. Pique and Lenglet despite trying were found wanting on several occasions. Thankfully Arthur, De Jong and Ter Stegen withstood the pressure better.

Finally Gameiro managed to score for Valencia from a fantastic, through ball from the relentless Rodrigo. The goal stood after consultation with VAR for offside. While the first half inched to a close, the ever alert Ter Stegen was forced to make back to back saves by Gameiro, as his defenders deserted him. Meanhile Fati, Perez, Griezmann and De Jong continued to attack for Barca.

The 2nd half started with both teams trying to score. Gameiro had a shot blocked well by Lenglet, Griezmann’s powerful low shot was missed by a bumbling Cillessen. Unfortunately for him, the ball came off the post. An opportunistic Pique latched on to the rebound and got the much needed 3rd goal for Barca.

Semedo also had a shot come off the post. With about 30 minutes to go, Luis Suarez came in for Ansu Fati.

In a minute Barcelona were up 4-1 as Suarez’s first touch ended in a wonderful goal. After getting the ball, Luis Suarez literally stopped for a few moments, seized the opportunity and drilled in a low shot to beat former mate Cillessen to mark a remarkable return from injury.

It was game over as Valencia lost the will to fight after the 4th goal. Barca went on the offensive and there were more coordinated attacks from all sides. De Jong was particularly effective in pulling the strings.

Cillessen who had a rather poor outing, came up with a series of fantastic saves. First he came up with a block against a Griezmann dink. The rebound fell to Perez whose shot was again stopped by the Dutchman. Finally he managed to stave off the low shot of Arthur Melo, as Barca stepped it up.

For Barca, Rakitic came in for De Jong, while Cheryshev came on for Guedes and Kang-In Lee replaced Torres for Valencia. Soon Rakitic forced an on the line clearance, but it fell to Griezmann who did well to cross it to Suarez who finished off with a curling effort. Sadly Cillessen was again caught out of position in what turned out to be a nightmare outing for him.

Towards the fag end of the game, assisted by Cheryshev, Maxi Gomez grabbed a goal for Valencia to make it 5–2.

Analysis:

Luis Suarez made a perfect comeback from injury. His first goal was a thing of beauty while the second one showed his smart finishing. His return strengthens Barca.

The young Ansu Fati, in his first start for Barca, had a goal and a good assist to his credit. He became the youngest player in La Liga to score and assist in the same game. He was the youngest Barca player to score at the Camp Nou. He is enthusiastic and tracked back to assist in defense as well. He is growing confident and getting better with each game.

Though its early days, the 16 year old seems totally at home and unfazed by everything that’s happening so fast. It would not be easy. Hopefully he will remain level headed to deal with all the pressure and expectations that come with early stardom.

De Jong is constantly played out of position by Valverde to accommodate Busquets. Though the young Dutchman is never shy of trying to fit in, he is rendered ineffective and struggles a lot. Against Valencia, he combined well with Fati, especially in attacks. He was particularly effective in calling the shots and getting the ball back. Overall he was excellent, Despite Fati and Suarez hogging the limelight, he is my Man of the Match.

Ter Stegen was absolutely awesome as he managed to fend of most of the Valencia attacks, despite letting in two goals. He was courageous especially in one to one situations.

Arthur had a solid game as he defended and supplied the ball well. But he needs to be more disciplined in defense as he tends to get rough, when things get tough.

Griezmann may not be on the score sheet but the hardworking Frenchman put in a shift in both defense and offense. He seem to be developing a fantastic understanding with Suarez which will be great for the team. Hopefully he will start firing soon. Same is the case with the diligent Perez.

Barca’s defense is in doldrums. This is a huge problem for Valverde. Pique and Lenglet are yet to hit peak form while Semedo is not up to the mark.

For many Barca loyals, this will sound blasphemous - Busquets and Jordi Alba are way too casual and need to be rested. Busquets is a nightmare for his defenders. Alba is bad in defending and unable to connect with the current players in attack.

Whenever Busquets, Alba or Semedo are on to the ball - an alarm goes off scaring the hell out of their team mates and the fans. It could turn out to be a scary, mundane or awesome move.

Ideally Rakitic and Vidal need to play on a regular basis along with De Jong and Arthur to give the team more solidity. Similarly Valverde should use Todibo and Junior Firpo regularly to deal with the defensive headaches more effectively and have good alternatives in case of injuries.

Watching the game from the stands at the Camp Nou, an injured Messi had many reasons to smile, but there are also many problems to look into, for the Captain who is likely to return soon. Developing an understanding and combining well with the eager newcomers and the bumbling old timers is what Messi will be concentrating on, when he returns.

For most fans, there is only one question that keeps popping up? Despite all the problems and pressure, Barcelona seem to thrive at the Camp Nou. But not all games are played at the Camp Nou, are they? How does a team that play like Lions in their own den, seem to metamorphose into clueless Mice, in away games?

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