Barcelona vs Sevilla
Barcelona continued their good form with another clean sheet and a 5-0 win at home to Champions League chasers, Sevilla. With Xavi back from injury, Pep Guardiola had his best eleven available to start.
Barça came bursting out of the blocks, looking to pressurise Sevilla right from
kick off and it only took the champions four minutes to find the net when Messi capitalized on a weak parry by the keeper to give Barça the lead.
With an early lead, Barcelona kept up the pressure and Sevilla failed to find a foothold in the game. In the 23rd minute, Messi effortlessly cut inbetween two defenders, leaving them to look out of their depth, he then found David Villa, who cut inside to beat his man and curled a left footed shot past the keeper. Villa has been pressing for goals in the last few games and finally got his just deserves with this spectacular effort.
Sevilla's Konko picked up his second yellow in the final minutes of the first half, after being subjected to a nutmeg by Pedro, his late challenge earnt him his marching orders.
Barça resumed proceedings in the second half and they were three up when Dani Alves made a flying leap with his outstreached leg to convert a headed back pass by Sevilla's Ndri Romaric. In gracious fashion, Alves didn't celebrate against his former club, opting to remaing calm, despite his world class goal.
Messi then got his 7th La Liga goal of the season and went past Rivaldo in all time goals and is now level with Sammy Eto'o. Picking the ball up near his own half, he dribbled at defenders, drawing them away, he then found the bottom corner from the smallest of gaps through the centre backs.
David Villa then got his second and Barça's fifth with a goal similar to Messi's. Drawing the defenders one way, he put the ball in the far right corner.
Josè Mourinho made indirect comments reguarding David Villa recently, comparing his form to the out of favour Benzema, clearly overlooking Villa's work ethic and his overall contribution to the teams perfomance, this was another classic Josè mind game tatic, which unfortunatly for Josè, didn't work out. David Villa responded on the pitch and later told journalists that
"He didn’t mention me by name, so my goal record is there for everyone to see. I just focus on my work, which is helping Barcelona.
"The work that I do is there. I have to be grateful to both my coach and my colleagues, who trust me. People have enjoyed the team play, and I have been calm, because I knew that I had to get goals."
With David Villa's eye for a goal he will always find ways to score, that's what instinctive strikers do best. Messi has recently said how important it is to have Villa at the club and his style of play makes it easier for himself to score. I, for one, am looking forward to the progression of the partnership of the two forwards. Last years partnership of Ibra and Messi didn't quite materialize so this one is gonna be an interesting watch!
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Sunday, 31 October 2010
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Messi takes charge against Copenhagen
In the third Champions League tie of the season, Barcelona hosted Copenhagen, a side which has maximum points from their two opening games of the campaign.
Pep Guardiola chose to start without Xavi, opting to give the playmaker a rest and started Maxwell in his posistion. Jose Pinto played in net for the first time this season, replacing the consistant Victor Valdes, who hasn't missed a game since 2008.
Barça started brightly and took the lead within 20 minutes with a strike from Messi. The game had all the symptoms of being a goal fest, however, Barcelona had to wait until injury times for a second goal, courtesy of Messi again.
From the first few minutes of the game, the homeside looked to impose themselves on the match, with David Villa hitting the cross bar with
a chipped effort.
Maxwell was putting himself in good posistions and had a good volleyed effort saved, turned away by keepers legs.
Shortly after, Piquè brought the ball from his own half, layed it off to Iniesta who found Messi in space on the edge of box, taking one touch, Messi blasted the ball past the keeper, to the roar of the Camp Nou crowd.
Villa started to trouble the keeper but his volley couldn't find it's way in after a cushioned header from Dani Alves
Piqué had the chance to Barça two up but he chose to pass to an offside Messi instead of going for goal. This was the 3rd ruled offside goal of game.
Pep's change of tatics saw Barcelona play with a three man defence, with Dani Alves playing a more attacking rule and his relished in this posistion. His best chance came when he dropped the shoulder twice, turning two defenders but couldn't get enough power behind his shot.
Compenhagen contiuned to press and create chances. N'doye drove a powerful shot which had Jose Pinto beaten but couldn't beat the crossbar, the deflection fell to Santin but couldn't direct his header into the open net.
The second half started slow for Barça, Compenhagen made up for a lack of possession in the first half and showed more confidence on the ball. Xavi and Pedro came on in the 73rd minute for Villa and Maxwell but this left the homeside with no vocal point upfront and this forced Messi to drop deep to recieve more of the ball.
Alves who seemed determined to get on the score sheet, struck the post after beating defenders. After his goals for Brazil in the international break he was playing with a vast amount of confidence and was really a joy to watch.
Barcelona did finally get the 2nd goal in injury time, as the ball fell to Messi who was virtually on the goal line, he couldn't miss.
A win frome their next game, in Denmark, would see the Catalans through to the next round.
Pep Guardiola chose to start without Xavi, opting to give the playmaker a rest and started Maxwell in his posistion. Jose Pinto played in net for the first time this season, replacing the consistant Victor Valdes, who hasn't missed a game since 2008.
Barça started brightly and took the lead within 20 minutes with a strike from Messi. The game had all the symptoms of being a goal fest, however, Barcelona had to wait until injury times for a second goal, courtesy of Messi again.
From the first few minutes of the game, the homeside looked to impose themselves on the match, with David Villa hitting the cross bar with
a chipped effort.
Maxwell was putting himself in good posistions and had a good volleyed effort saved, turned away by keepers legs.
Shortly after, Piquè brought the ball from his own half, layed it off to Iniesta who found Messi in space on the edge of box, taking one touch, Messi blasted the ball past the keeper, to the roar of the Camp Nou crowd.
Villa started to trouble the keeper but his volley couldn't find it's way in after a cushioned header from Dani Alves
Piqué had the chance to Barça two up but he chose to pass to an offside Messi instead of going for goal. This was the 3rd ruled offside goal of game.
Pep's change of tatics saw Barcelona play with a three man defence, with Dani Alves playing a more attacking rule and his relished in this posistion. His best chance came when he dropped the shoulder twice, turning two defenders but couldn't get enough power behind his shot.
Compenhagen contiuned to press and create chances. N'doye drove a powerful shot which had Jose Pinto beaten but couldn't beat the crossbar, the deflection fell to Santin but couldn't direct his header into the open net.
The second half started slow for Barça, Compenhagen made up for a lack of possession in the first half and showed more confidence on the ball. Xavi and Pedro came on in the 73rd minute for Villa and Maxwell but this left the homeside with no vocal point upfront and this forced Messi to drop deep to recieve more of the ball.
Alves who seemed determined to get on the score sheet, struck the post after beating defenders. After his goals for Brazil in the international break he was playing with a vast amount of confidence and was really a joy to watch.
Barcelona did finally get the 2nd goal in injury time, as the ball fell to Messi who was virtually on the goal line, he couldn't miss.
A win frome their next game, in Denmark, would see the Catalans through to the next round.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Puyol leads Barça fightback
Barcelona faced Valencia in arguably the biggest game in Europe so far this season. With Xavi back from injury and a new pitch in the Camp Nou, Barça were ready to go against the odds and win after an international break, something they've only accomplished four times in eighteen games.
Both sides started fast but it was Valencia who were more composed in possession and took the lead from a scrappy goal by Pablo. Iniesta leveled for the champions in the second half, then Puyol gave the Catalans the winning goal with a ferocious header.
Barça had the opportunity to take the lead when a chance fell to David Villa in the first twenty minutes, but in unusal fashion he decided to square it to Dani Alves rather than go for goal himself.
The pace of the game was becoming frantic and both sides looked threatening but it was Valencia who capitalized on this in the 37th minute with a goal from Pablo Hernandez. After fiding space in the box, Pablo put the vistors in front with a scruffy goal, taking a deflection off Keita on the way in.
Pablo could of doubled his tally minutes after when a Valencia attack caught barça on the back foot, but his shot was palmed away by Victor Valdes.
Pep Guardiola's half time team talk did the trick and Barça came out in full force for the second half. In the 47th minute, Andres Iniesta went on a winding run, played a one-two with Xavi and passed it past the keeper to draw the home side level.
Dani Alves stepped up his attacking game in the second half and his one-two with Messi led to a floating cross to Villa, who nearly converted with a header.
Barcelona veteran, Carles Puyol gave the Catalans the winning goal with a bullett of a header that left the keeper no chance. A pin point cross by Xavi, found Puyol who headed into the top corner.
Messi started to take risks and make more runs, troubling the Valencia defence. He brought a good save out of Valencia's goalkeeper, Sanchez, when he weaved into the box and got a shot off on his right foot.
David Villa should of sealed the win but failed to score his one-on-one with Sanchez, opting to go around the keeper rather than shooting first time, Sanchez was alert to this, and saved well.
Messi had a goal in injury time ruled out, the reply showed the Argentinan just offside before he coverted with a diving chest shot.
The game lived up to the expectations and despite a poor first half, Barça dug deep and in the second half showed why their champions. After average performances in recent weeks it looks like Barça are realising that you can't be champions without being clinical.
Both sides started fast but it was Valencia who were more composed in possession and took the lead from a scrappy goal by Pablo. Iniesta leveled for the champions in the second half, then Puyol gave the Catalans the winning goal with a ferocious header.
The pace of the game was becoming frantic and both sides looked threatening but it was Valencia who capitalized on this in the 37th minute with a goal from Pablo Hernandez. After fiding space in the box, Pablo put the vistors in front with a scruffy goal, taking a deflection off Keita on the way in.
Pablo could of doubled his tally minutes after when a Valencia attack caught barça on the back foot, but his shot was palmed away by Victor Valdes.
Pep Guardiola's half time team talk did the trick and Barça came out in full force for the second half. In the 47th minute, Andres Iniesta went on a winding run, played a one-two with Xavi and passed it past the keeper to draw the home side level.
Dani Alves stepped up his attacking game in the second half and his one-two with Messi led to a floating cross to Villa, who nearly converted with a header.
Barcelona veteran, Carles Puyol gave the Catalans the winning goal with a bullett of a header that left the keeper no chance. A pin point cross by Xavi, found Puyol who headed into the top corner.
Messi started to take risks and make more runs, troubling the Valencia defence. He brought a good save out of Valencia's goalkeeper, Sanchez, when he weaved into the box and got a shot off on his right foot.
David Villa should of sealed the win but failed to score his one-on-one with Sanchez, opting to go around the keeper rather than shooting first time, Sanchez was alert to this, and saved well.
Messi had a goal in injury time ruled out, the reply showed the Argentinan just offside before he coverted with a diving chest shot.
The game lived up to the expectations and despite a poor first half, Barça dug deep and in the second half showed why their champions. After average performances in recent weeks it looks like Barça are realising that you can't be champions without being clinical.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Barça lack the finishing to see off Mallorca
Barcelona faced Mallorca in the Camp Nou on saturday night and for the second time this season, dropped points.
On 21 minutes, Messi gave the reigning champions the lead when he eloquently placed the ball past the keeper. Barça looked liked they would ease through the rest of the game until a shock equaliser by Nsue gave Mallorca a share of the points.
Barça started to press from kick off, Bojan's driving shot in the opening minutes tested but failed to beat the keeper.
After dominating most of the possession in the first 20 minutes, a beautiful move gave Barça the lead. Pedro backhealed a pass from Alves to find Messi on the edge of the box, after taking a touch, Messi effortlessly placed the ball into the net, leaving the goalkeeper firmly rooted on the spot.
That was the last of Barcelona's clinical attempts on goal, Messi wasted a chance to put Barça further ahead after his attempt to take the keeper on failed, when hitting it first time seemed an easier option.
Shortly after, Keita found a good position in the box but couldn't direct his header after Abidal's cross was slightly behind the midfielder and he could get enough contact.
Mallorca's first chance fell to Castro who's snap volley brought a save out of Victor Valdes for a corner. The vistors kept up the momentum and Nsue drilled in a header from
inbetween Piquè and Milito.
Pep Guardiola's half time team talk fell on deaf ears as Barça's passing became sloppy and their lack of urgency was evident. Laudrups men took advantage of this and nearly took the lead when Nsue volleyed over from a corner.
The lack of confidence infront of goal was becoming too prevalent, as Dani Alves who was in a perfect place to score, attempted to pass to Messi but completly miss timed the run of the Argentinian and passed behind him.
The poor judgement from Barcelona's attackers was rounded off when Bojan tried to score from the byline, completly overlooking the options that were available inside the box.
Watching Barça on Saturday night was more like watching Arsenal, and desipte lots of build up play there was no end product. Barcelona's lack of conviction infront of goal in recent weeks has made me long for the directness and clinicalness of Samuel Eto'o. I don't think I'll ever understand the reasoning of his departure and the more I see peformances like this, the more I will be reminded of what once was.
On 21 minutes, Messi gave the reigning champions the lead when he eloquently placed the ball past the keeper. Barça looked liked they would ease through the rest of the game until a shock equaliser by Nsue gave Mallorca a share of the points.
After dominating most of the possession in the first 20 minutes, a beautiful move gave Barça the lead. Pedro backhealed a pass from Alves to find Messi on the edge of the box, after taking a touch, Messi effortlessly placed the ball into the net, leaving the goalkeeper firmly rooted on the spot.
That was the last of Barcelona's clinical attempts on goal, Messi wasted a chance to put Barça further ahead after his attempt to take the keeper on failed, when hitting it first time seemed an easier option.
Shortly after, Keita found a good position in the box but couldn't direct his header after Abidal's cross was slightly behind the midfielder and he could get enough contact.
Mallorca's first chance fell to Castro who's snap volley brought a save out of Victor Valdes for a corner. The vistors kept up the momentum and Nsue drilled in a header from
inbetween Piquè and Milito.
Pep Guardiola's half time team talk fell on deaf ears as Barça's passing became sloppy and their lack of urgency was evident. Laudrups men took advantage of this and nearly took the lead when Nsue volleyed over from a corner.
The lack of confidence infront of goal was becoming too prevalent, as Dani Alves who was in a perfect place to score, attempted to pass to Messi but completly miss timed the run of the Argentinian and passed behind him.
The poor judgement from Barcelona's attackers was rounded off when Bojan tried to score from the byline, completly overlooking the options that were available inside the box.
Watching Barça on Saturday night was more like watching Arsenal, and desipte lots of build up play there was no end product. Barcelona's lack of conviction infront of goal in recent weeks has made me long for the directness and clinicalness of Samuel Eto'o. I don't think I'll ever understand the reasoning of his departure and the more I see peformances like this, the more I will be reminded of what once was.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Rubin continue to make it difficult
FC Barcelona travelled to Russia to face Rubin Kazan, a tie that proved difficult last year, didn't get easier this time round.
Despite both teams having spotkick and hitting the wood work in each half, it was far from an even match up, with Barça having over 70% of the possession.
The Catalans got into their usual rythem from kick off and nearly went ahead on 12 minutes when David Villa played Pedro in and his first time shot struck the bar.
Rubins lack of attack made them look unlikely they would score, until they were awarded a penatly on the 28th minute. Victor Valdes failed to clear a loose ball and it was played back into the path of Vitali Kaleshin who was brought down by Dani Alves. Christain Noboa scored to give the home side the lead.
Pedro then had his and Barça's 2nd chance of the game but his first time volley drifted wide of the goal
Rubin Kazan continued to defend deep and sit back in the second half, Barça didn't panic and continued to pass the ball and look for an opening.
In the 54th minute, Iniesta made a run
into the box and was brought down, the referee award a pentaly and was converted by David Villa, who now has two goals in two Champions League Games.
Shortly after, Messi came on for Mascherano in his first game back from the ankle injury he suffered at Atletico Madrid two weeks ago.
Alves should of gave the three time European Champions the lead when he found himself on the end of a poor back pass, with his back to goal, he failed to score on the turn.
Messi, who was playing in midfield, ran onto a deflected through ball from Iniesta but shot straight at the keeper.
Barça continued to press and could of won the game in the last minutes. Iniesta found space insdie the box but his shot just missed the target.
Rubin Kazan's defensive mentality has once again frustrated Barcelona, similar to how Inter and Chelsea both played last year against the total football philosophy adopted by Pep Guardiola. Rubin Kazan's return to the Camp Nou in a few weeks will be an interesting affair, if Barça are to win the Champions League then they need to beat defensive minded teams, like Rubin.
Despite both teams having spotkick and hitting the wood work in each half, it was far from an even match up, with Barça having over 70% of the possession.
The Catalans got into their usual rythem from kick off and nearly went ahead on 12 minutes when David Villa played Pedro in and his first time shot struck the bar.
Rubins lack of attack made them look unlikely they would score, until they were awarded a penatly on the 28th minute. Victor Valdes failed to clear a loose ball and it was played back into the path of Vitali Kaleshin who was brought down by Dani Alves. Christain Noboa scored to give the home side the lead.
Pedro then had his and Barça's 2nd chance of the game but his first time volley drifted wide of the goal
Rubin Kazan continued to defend deep and sit back in the second half, Barça didn't panic and continued to pass the ball and look for an opening.
In the 54th minute, Iniesta made a run
into the box and was brought down, the referee award a pentaly and was converted by David Villa, who now has two goals in two Champions League Games.
Shortly after, Messi came on for Mascherano in his first game back from the ankle injury he suffered at Atletico Madrid two weeks ago.
Alves should of gave the three time European Champions the lead when he found himself on the end of a poor back pass, with his back to goal, he failed to score on the turn.
Messi, who was playing in midfield, ran onto a deflected through ball from Iniesta but shot straight at the keeper.
Barça continued to press and could of won the game in the last minutes. Iniesta found space insdie the box but his shot just missed the target.
Rubin Kazan's defensive mentality has once again frustrated Barcelona, similar to how Inter and Chelsea both played last year against the total football philosophy adopted by Pep Guardiola. Rubin Kazan's return to the Camp Nou in a few weeks will be an interesting affair, if Barça are to win the Champions League then they need to beat defensive minded teams, like Rubin.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Barça and Bilbao both see red in Basque country
Barcelona beat Atletico Bilbao 3-1 at San Mamès stadium last night to go second in the league.
The pace was set from kick off, with both teams defending from the front and pressuring well. Atletico's Amorebieta was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Iniesta 34 minutes into the game. Many chances fell to Barça and Atletico but the first half finished without any goals.
Barca did take the lead in the second half a goal from Keita. Xavi then put Barça two up soon after with a little help from a deflection. Villa was then sent off for an off the ball incident. Atletico pulled one back close to full time but it was no use, Busquets sealed the win for the Catalans in injury time.
Barça started and played throughout with great peices of play, perfectly timed balls and a great work ethic.Barça began to cause problems after 9 minutes, Keita came close to putting Barça ahead but didn't catch his shot right and it was easily saved.
Villa, who spends every game lurking, dancing with the offside trap was next to test the keeper. After a nicely weighted pass by Iniesta, Villa struck first time but could only find the post.
Shortly after, Atletico's Amorebieta was sent off for a tackle on Iniesta, deemed to be dangerous by the referee.
10 man atletico nearly surprised the vistors in the second half, when Barça failed to clear a loose ball it fell to San Jose who struck the post.
Barcelona upped the pressure and were ahead on 54 minutes with a goal by Seydou Keita. A great peice of link up play by Xavi and David Villa found Keita who scored his first of the season.
The blaugrana could of scored again when an Alves back heel found Pedro but after having all the hard work done for him, couldn't beat the keeper.
Andres Iniesta then went close in the 64th minute but after finding himself unmarked and in space in the area he could only find the outside of the post.
Xavi, who is not known for his goals or even his attempts on goal, scored with the help of a deflection, after he shot from outside the box to ease the pressure on the champions.
In an act of stupidity, David Villa was red carded for lashing out, this summed up his frustrating game in Basque country.
Gabilondo pulled a goal back for atletico in the closing stages which lead to a nerve racking few minutes for the away side
With Atletico pushing for an equaliser they committed players forward and payed the price when they were caught on the counter attack. Pedro, after beating the offside trap, squared it to Sergio Busquets who finished the game off with a confidently taken finish.
The pace was set from kick off, with both teams defending from the front and pressuring well. Atletico's Amorebieta was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Iniesta 34 minutes into the game. Many chances fell to Barça and Atletico but the first half finished without any goals.
Barca did take the lead in the second half a goal from Keita. Xavi then put Barça two up soon after with a little help from a deflection. Villa was then sent off for an off the ball incident. Atletico pulled one back close to full time but it was no use, Busquets sealed the win for the Catalans in injury time.
Barça started and played throughout with great peices of play, perfectly timed balls and a great work ethic.Barça began to cause problems after 9 minutes, Keita came close to putting Barça ahead but didn't catch his shot right and it was easily saved.
Villa, who spends every game lurking, dancing with the offside trap was next to test the keeper. After a nicely weighted pass by Iniesta, Villa struck first time but could only find the post.
Shortly after, Atletico's Amorebieta was sent off for a tackle on Iniesta, deemed to be dangerous by the referee.
10 man atletico nearly surprised the vistors in the second half, when Barça failed to clear a loose ball it fell to San Jose who struck the post.
Barcelona upped the pressure and were ahead on 54 minutes with a goal by Seydou Keita. A great peice of link up play by Xavi and David Villa found Keita who scored his first of the season.
The blaugrana could of scored again when an Alves back heel found Pedro but after having all the hard work done for him, couldn't beat the keeper.
Andres Iniesta then went close in the 64th minute but after finding himself unmarked and in space in the area he could only find the outside of the post.
Xavi, who is not known for his goals or even his attempts on goal, scored with the help of a deflection, after he shot from outside the box to ease the pressure on the champions.
In an act of stupidity, David Villa was red carded for lashing out, this summed up his frustrating game in Basque country.
Gabilondo pulled a goal back for atletico in the closing stages which lead to a nerve racking few minutes for the away side
With Atletico pushing for an equaliser they committed players forward and payed the price when they were caught on the counter attack. Pedro, after beating the offside trap, squared it to Sergio Busquets who finished the game off with a confidently taken finish.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Barça prevail over stubborn Sporting
Barcelona beat Sporting in the Camp Nou last night despite a quality defensive perfomance by the away side.
The action was far from entertaining as Barça set out in their first match without the injured Lionel Messi.
Sporting didn't mange to get a shot on target, and focused more on packing the midfield and sitting back.
Barça did break the deadlock however, in the second half, thanks to a goal from David Villa, against his former team.
In the first 9 minutes, Iniesta could of gave Barça the lead in a move similar to the goal he scored in the World Cup Final but his volley was saved.
Keita tried his luck from outside the box but his shot lacked any conviction and was easily turned away.
David Villa went close with a shot on his left foot shortly after, his attempt could only hit the side netting, he should of hit the target or found Bojan who was waiting in the box.
Villa, like all good strikers, kept pressing and was rewared in the 49th minute when Dani Alves played a neat ball through Sportings strong back line, which was met and taken with typical Villa style to put Barça ahead.
The home side kept up possession but couldn't find the end product to build on their one goal lead. Barca were forced into making long range shots for most of the game, which didn't pay off.
Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola was optimistic despite his team failing to shine.
"you can't always produce excellence. The team stuck together and we played at a high level". It was a victory built on hard work and the boss insisted: "we played at a high level. We lacked spark, but we kept together. They didn't have a single shot on target and that is an added plus for us. If we defend well, it's because we attack well and vice versa. The team stuck together and we didn't split into attack and defence. You have to take into account that the other team played too and they played very well".
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