CHAPTER 99: Bittertaste (post 18/10/2006)

"There are important cases in which the difference between half a heart and
a whole heart makes just the difference between
signal defeat and a splendid victory." - A.H.K. Boyd

Game last night was very disappointing, for every Barcelonismo in the world. The problem was not really due to the fact that Chelsea played very tactically or cagey, but the team didn’t put much of a fight.

Ronaldinho was marked out completely by Boulahrouz, and there’s the interventions from Makelele and Essien always, disrupting the midfield flow and attack.
It’s clear that the presence of Eto’o is greatly missed. Gudjohnsen is not at the same level as Eto’o, and Rijkaard doesn’t seem to put much faith into Saviola.
The thing is, Chelsea coulda scored more, but that was down to their problem of finishing. I don’t think Barcelona had much of a clear chance on goal anyway.
Damn disappointing. More so especially as this outcome complicates the next coming fixtures and making it tough in the standings of the group.
For me, Messi was the one trying hardest. Either Puyol and Marquez should have sensed better to cut out Drogba when he turned them both and turned the other way round to pile in a strong shot past Valdes.

The only positive aspect I can conclude from last night’s game was that, is still takes a lot from Chelsea to beat a Barcelona team that is still far from it’s best. This is especially due to the fact that later in the second half, Rijkaard took out Gio, replaced Puyol with Oleguer, and the team was practically playing with three at the back trying to push up the attack against a Chelsea
Anyhow, if there’s anything to go by with the Chelsea team, is that both Ballack and Shevchenko (especially him) are still trying to find their feet at their club. team going up further with the inclusion of Robben late on. It surprised me that Barcelona managed to keep the score that way regarding how Chelsea still keep their defence tight, and controlling the midfield tempo.

I really wish Rijkaard takes a look back at the defeat and pull Barça back on top of the capabilities that this team can offer. As there’s the important clash coming up this weekend at the Spanish capital, so work is full for both coach and players.

~Image source: SPORT