Barcelona vs Valladolid Match Analysis - 29-10-19
FC Barcelona against a below par team like Vallodolid at the Camp Nou was expected to be a cakewalk for the holders and it turned out to be one.
Barcelona were not made to sweat much by Vallodolid as they rarely threatened. The two, early goals looked like pin-ball play as the ball ricocheted off into the goal, luckily, for both teams and they were on level terms.
What happened next was a mesmerizing Messi masterclass plus some wonderfully composed and coordinated play from the entire Barca team, that put the average Valladolid to sword.
For the first time, this season, the Barca defense looked assured and calm. Lenglet and Pique put in an improved performance and were effective all through. Alba, who was returning from injury, looked assured. Semedo was the only player who looked out of sorts in defense and had an average day.
Lenglet’s first time shot that gave Barca the early lead was a fantastic effort. He should have added to his tally, from a set piece, but missed narrowly.
A steady midfield eased the pressure of the defense. Despite Arthur being rested, there was not much pressure on the Barcelona midfielders. Alba and Busquets were not tested much and they did okay, though towards the end there were a few casual passing by Busquets.
The young gun, De Jong, was impressive, seamlessly connecting with the defenders and attackers apart from the rest of the midfield. He looked like he was playing in this team for a number of years.
Vidal proved to be a live wire in the midfield and was a constant menace for the Valladolid defenders. He missed a great chance from a De Jong cross, But Vidal was not someone who would let that affect him. He made a remarkable run, after an one-two with Messi and managed to find the target from a similar, looping assist from Messi.
Ansu Fati, who was selected ahead of Griezmann, was lively on the left but his inexperience was evident as he held on to the ball longer than necessary and ended up giving it away, too many times. But the youngster was enthusiastic and looked promising.
As usual Suarez was missing the mark with his bad timing and slow reaction, but he was relentless. He was on hand to finish off the 5th goal for Barcelona. Ter Stegen apart from giving away the only Vallodolid goal, did not have much to do.
It was heartening to see Rakitic given more playing time by Valverde as a substitute. He had a decent game and his lovely, through pass to Messi resulted in the 4th goal for Barcelona.
The proof that everything was going Barcelona’s way, would be obvious, when Pique turns from defender to the self proclaimed No. 9 and moves forward. He did the same here too, but could not score. The final score was 5-1 in favour of FC Barcelona.
Maniac Messi
I am still raking my brain to find the right words to describe Mess's performance in the match. He was all over the place doing every demented thing possible in a football field, in the most unassuming manner.
He was into his indomitable mode, swirling past defenders, nutmegging a couple of them, mercilessly in the process, creating perfect crosses for his team mates (had two, precise assists in this game), scoring from a trademark free kick (his career's 50th free-kick goal), getting the 2nd of the evening with a deft first touch and a cool finish and finally missing out on a hat-trick in the last minute and in the process proving that he was back to being normal.
God - it was insane! Not Cristiano Ronaldo, not Ibrahimovic, not Balotelli, not Ramos, not Tevez - Messi is the most badass player of his generation. I totally understand where little Mateo Messi gets all his rebellious attitude from. His legendary dad is no less brutal, leaving an entire opposition for dead with his wicked abilities.
I do not think I have ever adored a football player as much as Leo Messi and he thoroughly deserves all the love and devotion that’s showered on him by his admirers.
Epilogue:
Now to all those who are going overboard about this emphatic win and immediately aspiring for Champions league success - please stop building castles in the air.
Vallodolid were mediocre in attack and Barcelona romped to an easy win at home. At Camp Nou, Barca, have always been tough to beat, for even top notch oppositions.So do not make a mountain out of a mole hill and stay grounded.
The upcoming match against Levante would give a better picture of how the team has gelled and how it copes with pressure. The current Barcelona team has a long way to go and it would be a testing season for them especially in away games. Valverde's team selection and tactics are never right in away games and these games matter a lot. Lets wait and watch.
Image Credits: Google Images
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