CHAPTER 307: Barcelona 3 - 3 Villareal

Alternative title: Slipped Glory


Positives

• Barcelona got a draw, and considering the circumstances with the result achieved from the game (and of Real Madrid), Barcelona is maximum just 1 point away from glory.

• The goals scored.

• Keita scored first, and was a nice goal.

• Valdes’ save on the 26th minute from a certain Villareal header goal, and then Keita followed up with a block that saved another certain Villareal goal (again).

• Eto’s scored a goal (the second) and he has now scored 28 in the season (beating his personal best again). The goal came from a good hustle by the team. The free kick taken and the play was done quickly by the players. Iniesta made great effort in running into position for the ball, and then recapturing the ball and passing it into Eto’o’s path.

• Alves scored a great free kick that came at a good time. And that was a nice dummy run from Xavi before Alves took and kicked the ball through Diego Lopez.

• Iniesta played a good game.

Negatives

• The goals conceded.

• The draw meant that Barça has to wait for the title further more. They could have wrapped up had they won against Villareal.

• Toure screwed up on the first goal as he misplaced his pass backwards that lead to Villareal having the ball that then proceeded into attacking Barça’s goal ending with Llorente’s first goal (slack defending).

• Eto’o’s shot on 71st minute was too high and too bad.

• Abidal’s red, and the subsequent penalty.

• Alves’ yellow card was unlucky and the way it happened was similar to the Abidal-Anelka incident.

• Injury time conceded a goal. That was terrible defending. Thus meant that Barcelona slipped up a glorious chance to win the title.

• Messi seemed lethargic.

• I suppose with Guardiola’s team selection, it was meant that they were gunning for glory in the game. In the end the objective was not achieved.

• What happened could backfire in the upcoming (and important) Copa final.

• Post game, Iniesta’s injury (very big blow).

• Eto’o’s has been off form for several games now, worrying sign.