Barca played PSG to a 3-1 first leg victory in the UEFA Champions League. here are a few observations.
Xavi is still vital
Near the end of the first half, Barça started losing control of the midfield. PSG were starting to gain momentum, and their midfield was pouring enormous pressure on the backline. After Xavi’s introduction, the midfield control was back. Passes were reaching their mark, and PSG’s midfield was overpowered. Laurent Blanc’s desperation resulted in a substitution, Lucas Moura on, and Rabiot off. This ultimately proved to be disastrous, as PSG lost all control of the game. Xavi was making a case for a contract renewal. Even at the age of thirty five, Barça’s midfield maestro can boss the midfield.
Barça keep shooting themselves in the foot
Two goals against Sevilla, now one against PSG, Barça have now conceded 3 goals in the past two games. While all three of them were against top quality team, one fact remains true: all three goals could have been avoided had the players been more careful. One goal against Sevilla should have been saved by Bravo, and the other one resulted from an errant pass from Gerard Pique. Today the culprit was Jeremy Mathieu, whose simple clearance ended up in the back of the net, giving Ter Stegen no chance.
Iniesta’s injury is a dark spot
As of now, not a lot is known about Don Andres’s injury, but it shouldn’t be too severe. Iniesta will be needed by the end of the season.
Luis Enrique: "Iniesta? A serious knock, but in principle it's nothing bad. More tests in Barcelona." #fcblive
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) April 15, 2015
Hardships on the road ahead
3-1 away to PSG is a fantastic result, but it is far from over. We host an in-form Valencia at the Camp Nou, and then play PSG again at home. There is no time to rest; we are half way through the crunch time of the season. Dani Alves will be back for the game against Valencia, as will Jeremy Mathieu. Expect the same lineup against Valencia.
Suárez’s excellent run in the Champions League continues
Suárez scored two superb goals today, and humiliated the most expensive defender in the world in the process. Two nutmegs for the viewing pleasure of the fans, and two goals for the score line. His goals along with Neymar’s singular goal, have given Barça a sturdy platform for the second leg. This isn’t the first time Suárez scored two on an away ground in the UCL. He did the same against Manchester City at the Etihad, giving Barça a two nil lead at the half. Let’s hope Suárez can score two in the return leg as well.
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