CHAPTER 295: Bayern Munich 1 - 1 Barcelona

Alternative Title: Late Stalemate Sufficient
2nd Alternative Title: Onwards! To England!


One sentence: we’re heading to the semifinals!!

Positives

• The biggest positive point: Barcelona qualifies for the semifinals!

• A sufficient draw away at the Allianz Arena.

• A good overall showing from the team, in terms of controlling the result and dictating the outcome of the tie.

• In the first half, Barcelona defended against Bayern’s pressure.

• After Bayern scored their goal, Barcelona stepped up their game a bit, and began to control possession and passing of the ball more.

• Seydou Keita scores the equalizing goal, and once again the Malian scored another important goal for the team (that goal sealed the tie more or less, and it came at a good time, the 73rd minute). It was good long range finishing from Keita, and besides that he adds up his goal tally for the season.

• Barcelona’s goal was scored by Keita, but it came through good team play, good hustle and bustle from the team to create and ensure the scoring chance occurs and is produced.

• Another good game from Gerard Pique. One good moment form him was when during the first half, there was this moment Ribery got the ball and did a 360 roulette just to be caught and had the ball recovered by Pique.

• Eric Abidal is back in the squad, and a generally good outing from the Frenchman back on the left back position.

• Without Guardiola as the main man on the bench, the squad did well in the game.

Negatives

• The yellow cards of Alves and Puyol (brings the probable risks into the semifinals games). Tough, reckless challenges as well (especially from Puyol).

• The draw brings an end to Barcelona’s win streak in all competitions thus far. Also, Barcelona concedes a goal after a run of consecutive clean sheets in games as well.

• On Ribery’s goal, Valdes was ‘duped’ by the French’s movement, whereas I believe that Barcelona defenders ought to or might have done better in not making Ribery be in an onside position that The Frenchman went on for his goal.

• Wasn’t a good game on an attacking and goal scoring chances opportunities throughout. The Bayern defenders were tougher to break in this game. Lesser clear chances for Barcelona compared to the first leg at home, and probably a game that was difficult or frustrating for both Eto’o and Iniesta.

• Personally I was disappointed that Samuel Eto’o didn’t have much goal chances or made goal chances, considering that he did not play at all against Recreativo Huelva and was fully rested.

• There were certain (if few) moments where the Barcelona players lost the ball during game play that the Bayern Munich players then took the ball and went on a counter.

• A disappointing freekick from Daniel Alves on 37th minute in the first half that hit straight at the Bayern wall.

• Besides the yellow cards of Alves and Puyol, personally I find that the timing that Bayern scored their goal was disappointing. It was scored early on in the second half (in fact, the 47-48th minute). Way too early to concede a goal.
  In my opinion, this is an aspect that Barcelona should look upon and improve upon (it already happened in the second leg against Lyon). Stuff like this can effect nerves (especially considering whatever circumstances that revolves around whatever situation a game would be at), bloody hell.
  

• The time Ribery had time and freedom with the ball, he was really causing trouble and dangerous (where was the pressure against Ribery when he was free?). Alves had a tough time against him, and of course Puyol made that challenge that lead to his caution. Ribery’s threats were nevertheless nullified once Barcelona began controlling the game more (which in my opinion came after Ribery scored).

England, London and Chelsea expect us. It will be tough, very tough.
Here’s to Barcelona for a strong winning performance, and book that ticket to Rome come the 27th May.
Visca El Barca!