Right back was keeping him on from the view I saw of it.
Sevilla. 
That was disappointing. I know it was only the cup but that’s 2 games in a row now that Barcelona haven’t performed.
Zlatan is out for the game at the weekend but hopefully they’ll pick it up again from there. Play Sevilla again in the 2nd leg and in the league the following week.
[quote=“Pikeman”]That was disappointing. I know it was only the cup but that’s 2 games in a row now that Barcelona haven’t performed.
Zlatan is out for the game at the weekend but hopefully they’ll pick it up again from there. Play Sevilla again in the 2nd leg and in the league the following week.[/quote]
I thought they did enough to maybe win both games but certainly didn’t play brilliantly.
Probably creating enough chances to win games still, a bit unlucky in both games, but looking really shaky at the back again. What’s the story with Tour since Christmas, is he gone to African Nations already?
For such a great team they don’t have fantastic depth either. They have two cracking forwards in Zlatan and Messi but Henry has been in poor enough form. Pedro looks decent but Bojan doesn’t look up to it yet and Iniesta is better a bit deeper.
One of the things about the way they play is that they’re very reliant on the lads coming in being able to replicate specific roles. And there’s no real exact fit for Xavi or Iniesta or Zlatan or Messi if they’re missing.
At the back Milito may improve as he gets games but Chygrinski or however you spell it just looks completely at sea and hasn’t settled at all.
[quote=“Rocko”]I thought they did enough to maybe win both games but certainly didn’t play brilliantly.
Probably creating enough chances to win games still, a bit unlucky in both games, but looking really shaky at the back again. What’s the story with Tour since Christmas, is he gone to African Nations already?
For such a great team they don’t have fantastic depth either. They have two cracking forwards in Zlatan and Messi but Henry has been in poor enough form. Pedro looks decent but Bojan doesn’t look up to it yet and Iniesta is better a bit deeper.
One of the things about the way they play is that they’re very reliant on the lads coming in being able to replicate specific roles. And there’s no real exact fit for Xavi or Iniesta or Zlatan or Messi if they’re missing.
At the back Milito may improve as he gets games but Chygrinski or however you spell it just looks completely at sea and hasn’t settled at all.[/quote]
Yeah, 25 million or whatever for Chygrinsky looks a joke now. You’re right about depth in the squad-it’s shown more this season. Before, Barcelona even had the likes of GudJohnsen or Hleb-two very good players to fit in when needed, but were let go.
Barcelona a bit unlucky in both games perhaps, but the main weapon last season was how they held onto and used possession so effectively, that seems to have faded a bit. Henry’s poor form and perhaps Zlatan’s lack of Etoo type work rate isn’t helping the midfielders maybe. Bojan definitely hasn’t lived up to earlier promise.
Of the games I’ve seen, Barcelona’s defence has been very poor. Alves probably the biggest drop in form.
While acknowledging the standard of defending in La Liga, on current form, would Diego Forlan get in the Man United team?
Just bagged a great breakway goal with a neat finish to put them 2 up on the mighty Valladolid
Fooking hell. The boy Canales, only 18, has taken both of those goals magnificently. Really superb - first time I’ve seen him play and one to keep an eye on with quality like that.
Barcelona and Real in scintillating form tonight with Valencia not far behind.
Messi, Higuain, Bojan, Alonso, Pedro Take respective bows, sons.
In more local news, Henry is fooked. Il est fini je pense…
Messi’s hat trick goal last night - unbelievable skill.
The home crowd applauding him reminded me of the Sampdoria supporters for Totti’s volley a few years ago, Ronaldinho at the Bernebeu and Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
Messi’s hat trick goal last night - unbelievable skill.
The home crowd applauding him reminded me of the Sampdoria supporters for Totti’s volley a few years ago, Ronaldinho at the Bernebeu and Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
Sevilla/Barca kicking off at 9pm with Sevilla 2-1 up from the first leg. I think I’ll have a bit of Barca at 8/11 - they won EVERYTHING last year and won’t want to give up the cup. Sevilla have lost their last few at home, including at the weekend and Barca are apparently a good side.
2-0 to Bara I reckon.
Decent lineup: Pinto; Alves, Puyol, Piqu, Abidal; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Messi, Henry, Ibra.
Chyriginsky (or wtf way ya spell it) is on the bench. Some waste of 25 million, as it’s doubtful he’ll be getting much of a look in now outside the cup.
Henry is gone to shit too-needs to up his game as Pedro has probably stepped ahead of him.
Sevila not sitting back in this one anyway. Putting Barcelona under decent pressure all over the pitch. They had a perfectly legit goal disallowed too.
0-0 at half time.
Ah lovely.
Xavi with the goal - he’s the guy who became good in June 2008, isn’t he?
Xaaaaaaaviiiiiii.
1 more.
Messi hits the post.
Did Zlatan just miss the open goal there off the post-couldn’t really see with the crappy internet connection?
[quote=“Pikeman”]Messi hits the post.
Did Zlatan just miss the open goal there off the post-couldn’t really see with the crappy internet connection?[/QUOTE]
It bobbled.
Some football there.
Some goal saving clearance by Puyol there!
12 mins to go. Barcelona still need another goal-playing lovely stuff but not getting great chances.
Ah well-ya can’t win em all (apart from last season)
Zlatan and Henry upfront were a ball of shite.
[quote=“Pikeman”]Ah well-ya can’t win em all (apart from last season)
Zlatan and Henry upfront were a ball of shite.[/QUOTE]
Puyol was majestic.