Once again Barca got the better of Los Blancos, however it was the manner of the victory this time round which was notable. Rather than simply outclassing Madrid, this victory owed as much to the mental strength and winning mentality of the Blaugrana as their technical brilliance.
It is a quality that is often overlooked but they possess it in spades. They were appalling by their own exalted standards on Sunday yet still managed a 2-2 draw. Watching wonderful last ditch defending from the likes of Mascherano and stunning saves from Valdes demonstrate the Blaugrana’s inner steel and ferocious will to win. Yesterday they played much better and the three goals they scored were of the highest quality, but they were obviously some way short of their scintillating best. However they showed their ability to dig in and get the result by scoring the winner a few minutes after it seemed Benzema had taken us to extra time.
Of course it helps when you have best player of our your generation in your ranks. Messi was involved in all three goals, and no doubt he will steal the headlines with many saying he was the difference between the teams. Yet to focus on Messi would do a disservice to the likes of Mascherano who produced a monster performance in the heart of the defence, and to Alves who had Ronaldo in his pocket for much of the encounter. Their stout defending in the face of intense Madrid pressure must be commended.
Yes there is no substitute for class and the fact remains that Madrid can scour the world for the finest talent but they will never find another Iniesta or Messi. Iniesta took the breath away at times with his sublime close control and ability to glide past his man. It is difficult to imagine any Madrid player having the nerve, skill and self-confidence to score the goal he did in such a big match. The Barcelona goals demonstrated how ruthless they are in front of goal, which ultimately punished Los Blancos profligacy over the two legs.
The fact it was an absorbing encounter to which Madrid contributed so much, will be scant consolation. They have thrown the best they have at Barca and still come up short. Mouriniho will know far more important matches lie in store, but he won’t be able to escape the feeling that this might be Madrid’s best chance to get one over their rivals. Madrid were favourites coming into this tie, due to their superior pre season and better conditioning. This showed in the tie as Madrid players looked hungrier than their counterparts and were first to every loose ball, but all that energy and endeavor in the end amounted to nothing.
What will hurt Madrid and Mouriniho is that they could not have done anything more to triumph. The tactics were spot on as they pressed and harried all over the pitch. Once they did get the ball they moved it quickly, utilizing their lightening pace and exposing the Barca back four, it was the perfect blueprint of how your meant to play Barca instead of the cowardly tactics employed in the champions league semi-final. Barca may have looked sloppy collectively, but what they have in their team is plenty of players capable of individual brilliance, and unlike the Madrid players they show that brilliance when it matters most. Villa created a goal out of nothing on Sunday (again which Madrid striker can you imagine doing that?) and yesterday Messi and Iniesta carved apart the defence just when Madrid dropped their pressing for a few moments. Such moments are impossible to guard against, but that is what Madrid have to overcome every time they lock horns with their rivals.
You feel this is the weakest Barca will be for the rest of the season and they were there for the taking. It is difficult to suggest what long-term impact this missed opportunity will have on Madrid. It must be demoralising to know that you played your best football, were better prepared than your opponent, your opponent was no where near their best and you still lost. Mouriniho will attempt to dismiss this defeat as irrelevant but he has a job on his hands to destroy the air of invincibility around the Nou Camp. That Copa del Rey win will feel like a lifetime ago.
Barca will only get stronger from this point, and the acquisitions of Sanchez and Fabregas already look like they will enhance the squad. The signs are ominous for Madrid, Barcelona remain the team the beat and it will take something monumental to knock them off their perch.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Click here to have a look out our predictions for the 2011/2012 Premier League Season!
Or have a look at the ten strikers that we think will lead the race for the Golden Boot next season
Easy to say, but take Messi out of the Barca team and Madrid would win. Madrid rely on Ronnie, but not as much. Don’t get me wrong Barca are Brill, but Messi gives them the edge , he is Magic. Cannot be contained for Barca. ( no where near as devastating for Argentina ) Cannot wait for 2 La Liga matches and doubt if UEFA will allow them to meet in CL until the final. TASTY.
whistleblower: u stating that if real dont have cr and barca doesnt have messi, Real would beat barca? Witout Cr son, there is no real madrid!
BS,,,BS,,,BS,,Real have closed the gap..They are now a better team than Barcelona….All Hail the Special One!!