Match Review: Barcelona 3-1 Villarreal: Copa final in sights
Villarreal CF’s intentions were as clear as day since the start of the match–defend and hope for the best. Denis Cheryshev, Giovani dos Santos, and Luciano Vietto proved in the league game that they have what it takes to cause problems for Barcelona when counterattacking. Their hopes were to replicate the same performance, but as is most often the case in football, it didn’t go as planned.
I think it’s safe to say that around 90% of the teams that visit the Camp Nou follow the same approach. “Let us just try to keep them away from our goal and maybe our super fast striker can bang one in.” And of course, a physical, aggressive style of play is essential for the plan to succeed. In my opinion, this was Villarreal’s plan during the first half. But the thing is, this is a different Barça. Such plans are not as effective anymore.
The ‘Luis Enrique project’ that we were promised at the start of the season has been taking shape for a while now. My colleague Eric Coffin-Gould explained what goes unnoticed by many during the match. The movement and tactics have changed and transformed Barça into a different animal, one that has so far earned the right to restore its fear factor. The team may have gone through a couple of rough years–years that witnessed several sufferings against parked buses. But I’m afraid you’re going to have to start looking for different solutions.
The first half was completely dominated by Barça. Both Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi appear to be growing as teammates and are improving their understanding on the pitch, and the pair looked extremely dangerous and focused. The Argentinian came close a few times but his shots often flew over the bar, while Suárez almost converted from a Jordi Alba cross that was just a little high for our number nine.
Villarreal had very little time to make the most of its possession as Barcelona relentlessly hunted down the outfield players like yellow turkeys on Thanksgiving whenever the ball was lost. The defensive line did an excellent job keeping the opponents from getting anywhere near Marc-André ter Stegen’s goal, and Mascherano playing as a defensive midfielder certainly made life a little easier. It is also worth noting that resting Mascherano against Athletic Club paid dividends tonight considering how tired the Argentinean seemed in previous games against Atlético Madrid, for example. And sure enough, a goal was coming. Suárez, while on defensive duties, beat Villarreal’s Mateo Mussachio to the ball and went through on goal. The Uruguayan then waited for Messi’s run and set up the ball for the World’s Best to put it in the back of the net, breaking the deadlock.
Villarreal almost equalized before the end of the first half after the young Argentine Vietto aimed at the far corner after a low cross, but the ball was kept out following an amazing MAtS’ save to keep Barça in the lead.
The second half, on the other hand, wasn’t as pretty as one could have hoped. The half started with Villarreal’s equalizer after a Suárez missed pass was collected by Manu Trigueros who fired a powerful shot straight at ter Stegen who was unable to react in time to keep the ball out. But nevertheless, as has been the case lately, Barcelona responded almost immediately after Suárez and Iniesta took it upon themselves to break that right Villarreal flank, with Iniesta finishing past Sergio Asenjo to set matters straight once again.
Villarreal finally realized that it was time to change a few things. There were still 40 minutes to go and Barcelona had already scored two goals, and it looked like they were capable of scoring more. The opponents tried to push the Catalans to their own half, but when you are facing THIS trident and two talented dribblers like Rafinha and Iniesta, opening up space could be very dangerous.
But Barcelona’s third goal did not come from a fast, passing play that included Messi beating a bunch of defenders or Neymar humiliating someone. The goal came from a corner. Gerard Piqué got on the end of Messi’s cross, beat Mussachio to the ball, and scored from a tight angle to further increase Villarreal’s pain. More of that please, Gerard.
Rafinha was later on subbed off for Ivan Rakitić. The Brazilian didn’t enjoy a spectacular night like the one earlier against the same team, but for a 21-year-old who is starting to play regularly, this was an excellent game against tough opposition. The youngest of the Alcântaras is on the right track.
Yet sadly, one particular Brazilian was having a night to forget. Neymar Jr. simply seemed off tonight, and one wonders what could’ve happened if the Prince was in his usual, glorious form. Barcelona was awarded a penalty after Mussachio handled a ball, and to the surprise of us all, Messi allowed Neymar to take the penalty in an effort to revive his friend’s night. But these games are simply a must every now and then. They are, after all, human. Neymar missed the penalty, and it became clear then that all is needed of him now is to put this game behind him and move on. A rest is deserved, too.
Villarreal attacked more during the second half and was creating more chances, but Barcelona was successfully able to adapt to its foe’s new approach. The 3-1 scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story and the tie could’ve been put to bed tonight, but I’ll take the win. The Yellow Submarine will now go into the second leg knowing that they will be forced to open up and attack Barcelona as ferociously as possible, and they’ll have to keep in mind that a specific trio will be looking to rip them apart while doing so.
The upcoming La Liga match against Levante UD could serve as a precious chance for Luis Enrique to rest some key players ahead of the anticipated Champions League clash against Manchester City next week–a new test that will only show us how strong the team is right now.
Comments
Post a Comment