الأحد، 22 مارس 2015

5 Observations from El Clasico


Barça played Real Madrid in the Camp Nou to fight for the top spot in the League. Barça ended up winning 2-1, after a brilliant goal from Luis Suárez. Here are some observations.


Barça NEED to be more clinical.


Neymar missed a couple of absolutely vital chances, and one minute later, Real Madrid was on the board. After a bit of brilliant play from Luis Suárez, who low crossed the ball in the penalty area, Neymar was left with a gaping net, the goal at his mercy. Much to the shock of all the fans, and the relief of the Real Madrid fans, he simply hit ball upwards towards Casillas, gifting him the ball. Aside from this, Neymar was largely selfish and wasteful on the night. He had one good chance after Messi put the ball on a plate for him to strike, only to hit the side netting. And then there was the chance he had to pass to Suárez who would have been in on goal, which took by himself, missing the target completely. Lucho would do well to talk to Neymar about this.


Sergio Busquets is absolutely vital for Barça.


Without Busquets in the first half, Barça suffered in possession. Our passes were aimless, and without good circulation. Sergio is an absolutely vital part of Barça’s midfield, and while taking him out against smaller sides would work, it is almost suicidal in big matches like El Clasico. Immediately as Busquets entered the pitch, Messi started seeing the ball more, Barça's midfield looked more fluid, and our passes started to have direction, all of which was lacking without Busquets. So to all those who claim to know about football, and then proceed to say that Busquets is a terrible player, stop talking, because you have absolutely no idea what you’re saying. There is a reason as to why all of his coaches absolutely adore him and he is an undisputed starter for Spain, and Barcelona.


Barça weren’t at their best, but still won.


Compared to previous games, Barça were not at their best. This may have to do with the midweek clash with Manchester City in the Champions League. While Real Madrid was resting all week, Barça were securing their place in the last eight of the UCL. Our UCL hangover almost proved costly, as we started the game slowly, and allowed Real a foothold in the match. As the game progressed Barça started getting better in possession, and the Introduction of Busquets was vital. Near the end Barça became more dominant and created plenty of chances, ones the team should have buried.


Add this game to our win section, which is growing larger day by day, allowing us to build good momentum for rest of the season. The team has tough matches coming up in the shape of Valencia, Sevilla, and Atletico Madrid. We can win if we do our best. If we can face against Real Madrid on a bad day and win, God help our opponents when we have a good day.


Pique is channeling his inner Puyol


Pique has been the best defender in the world this season bar none. He’s been there again and again, defending superbly and bailing teammates out of trouble. As one could guess, he was immense today, getting in the way of everything the opponent had to throw at him. His position was perfect, his passing was crisp and to the point, and his tackles were striking to behold. He gave away no space, no penalties, and few chances. Pique is having the season of his life, not only in his defensive contributions, but also in his goal scoring. He has six goals this season, which is his best ever goal scoring season in his career. Once again, good job Gerard, Puyol would be proud.


Barça lead La Liga by 4 points


More good news for Barça fans as we've now tore open a four point gap between second placed Real Madrid. The title is in our hands, and we must win every game to keep it. If we do this La Liga is ours, and already being in the cup final would mean a domestic double is on the cards. If Barça can round off the season with world class Champions League performances, then we just might be on our way to a fabled treble. As of now, we are in a good position, but we must not get overconfident...








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