CHAPTER 207: Shaktar Donetsk (1) - Barcelona (2) [analysis]

Alternative title: Messi, El Salvador

This was a real frustrating game, only for the outcome and the possible future of Barcelona in Group C of this season’s Champions League only to be saved by two very late goals from the expected savior. Three things to say about the game (apart from the usual Positives and Negatives of Barcelona for the match played); it was perhaps Barcelona’s worst game played as yet this season (before the tide of the game changed), Shaktar Donetsk’s faking and feigning of every hit and injury (and time wasting), and the crap refereeing from the referee.

Positives

• Victory obtained. Puts Barcelona six points on top of the group (2 games, 2 wins), and 3 points above the closest rivals.
• LAST-SECONDS VICTORY. Once again (this is nerve wracking to the max).
• Messi IS the Man.
• First goal might had been fortunate as Shaktar’s keeper fumbled the ball as Bojan crossed (and Messi was in the right place at the right time), but the second and WINNING goal, man that shot was fantastic and ice cool. Equally impressive was the pass (and eventually the assist) from Xavi (who I believe has been now making important, match winning assists).
• Not only did Messi stepped up Barça’s attack in the second half, but the inclusion of Bojan Krkic also added a new dimension to the attack. And it was Bojan who made the low cross and assisted Messi’s first (and crucially important) first goal.
• Obtaining a victory on the road in Europe. Hopefully it continues.
• The winning streak in all competitions continues. And with this last seconds victory if can only boost even more in terms of morale and confidence, as well as belief.

Negatives

• I believe that that Barcelona couldn’t really control the game or play as they would like to. It’s only up until the moment Bojan crossed and Messi scored from Pyatov’s mishap of a control of the ball, that the tide sort of turned and Barcelona kept pressing. When I couldn’t see the first half properly due to the sh-t streaming but I remembered the Spanish commentators saying “El Barca no control el partido….” and also kept saying something regarding Messi (obviously commentating that Messi has to be on the pitch to change the dynamics of the game for Barcelona’s favor).
• It’s the same old story whenever Barcelona concedes a goal. They could have done better to prevent it. And they have been conceding goals in each game now.
• It seems that Barcelona is only relying on Messi. Seems that once again this team is Messi dependant. Awaiting magic to happen from just one player isn’t a great sign to challenge trophies on all fronts (let alone on just one).
• Eto’o should have done better with the one on one chance that he got in the second half. Messi had passed the ball to him greatly only for Eto’o to sort of hesitated when he approached the Shaktar Donetsk’s goal.
• As I couldn’t properly watch the first half, I was unsure of the formation and lineup that Guardiola put up in the game. As the game went on, I realized the team had Abidal, Marquez, Pique, Puyol and Dani Alves all at the same time.
• I’m not exactly sure, but it seemed that Guardiola is tinkering a bit too much in each games. A dose of unpredictability can be good to confuse the rivals’ tactical plans, but for his team and at this early stage of the season it could hinder the proper gel and simulation between his own players.
• Henry again seems out of form, not proving his worth.

As stated before, it was a frustrating game (only to be saved at the death by Messi). And also as previously stated above, the opposition’s cheating and deceiving was frustrating to watch and endure. And somebody should have shot that b-stard Brandao, who kept diving every time he was on the ball and got challenged (especially from Dani Alves), and yet when Messi scored the equalizer, he had the urge to hit and have a go against Bojan. It wasn’t a great game, and the important thing right now is for Barça’s players to recuperate fully and for Guardiola to rectify whatever and improve upon the next coming game, a crucial clash at Camp Nou against Atletico Madrid.