Barcelona Vs Villarreal 3-1 Match feedback and goals

First, my initial five cents about the match:

- Villarreal were not focused nor discipline during this match, especially in the first half where they missed pass for fun, ignored the defensive cover and even though they were putting an immense pressure upfront, it wasn’t systematic enough to cause lot of concerns for Barcelona. The energy burned in the first half left the team out of fuel in the second half. They paid for it.

- Barcelona performance tonight reminded me of the match against Sevilla. It’s not a coincidence that the two ecstatic performances followed a full week rest for the key players. That’s what squad depth mean. And that’s what the team lack this season. Granted with a match played in the midweek with the first teamers selected, there will be lot of doubts if the team can put such an effort in this one.

- Pep made a very interesting Tactical surprise in this match by using a conservative Maxwell. Remember my concerns before the match regarding a selection where both Maxwell and Alves move forward leaving the defense exposed? Remember the need to have Abidal on the left? Well, we had an Abidal on the left in Maxwell tonight. Especially with Villa playing on the left flank, there was no need for Maxwell to move forward beside when the defense is completely secured (With Alves being closer to the center backs). I still cant say this trick was the best possible as I believe a Keita or a Mascherano would have helped more (And I wont turn my hunch that the goal conceded was avoidable to a belief). Still, that little modification in Maxwell’s role was essential. Credit where due.

-The substitutions were successful as well.

- Abidal was very good in this match considering the fact that he is still not completely adapted to the responsibilities of Center back.

- Messi…

I am sure there is much more to point out. But I will keep it short and leave you with the match goals:

 

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Posted by Ramzi on 15:28. Filed under Barcelona, Football, Liga, villarreal . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0