Blogs

Have Barca finally learnt how to win ugly?

|
Image for Have Barca finally learnt how to win ugly?

Still not the same swashbuckling Barca but still more than good enough to comfortably see off a very good Valencia side. No Villa, Pedro, Iniesta, Busquets, Alves but Barca were full value for their 2-0 in yesterday and it should have been more. Away draws have left Barca some way off the pace at the top, but having still lost one game all season the Catalans are still strong favorites to claim the cup double.

Athletico Bilbao will present a stern challenge for the eccentric Bielsa has constructed a formidable unit. A team that combines physical aggression with an ability to play long and short. With the splendid talents like Munain and Martinez and the imposing figure of Llorente upfront the Barca defense are guaranteed a testing night but when they look at the players at their disposal it is still hard to look past Guardiola`s serial winners.

In 2009 Barcelona won the champions league without triumphing in a single away game, with the Nou Camp still looking impregnable a repeat is on the cards. They are nowhere near their best, yet still have the ability to put in impressive performances like the one yesterday. Valencia had opportunities but in truth they were swamped for the majority of the encounter, Soldado`s absence was sorely felt. Barcelona at 75 percent strength remain the best team world and to snatch the Champions League from their grasp will require beating them, a feat which has eluded all but one this season.

Even if they were to lose they could still rely on their ability at the Nou Camp to soar out of any hole they find themselves in. Their porous squad and subsequent reliance on promising but raw youngsters looks likely to cost them the league but they remain likely to become the first team since AC Milan to retain the European crown. Messi form has dipped in recent weeks but last night was an improvement although his inability to finish what should be routine chances remains a concern. But when a team is guaranteed to create so many opportunities it is inevitable a few will be taken.

With individuals like Puyol and Mascherano the Blaugrana have the best personnel necessary to deal with adversity and at make it nigh on impossible to beat the Catalans. They are not scoring as many as they used to but the team will sweat blood before letting themselves taste defeat. Even when complacency gets them into trouble a mechanism is triggered which lets them remember who they are and how they got there. For so long Manchester United have been praised in this realm from winning whilst not playing well and having an unshakable belief that they will find a solution for any problem. Barca have that same mentality, this writer has noted their complacency has and profligacy has cost them this season. However these flaws make it harder for them to win but to actually beat them is as challenging as it ever has been. The Blaugrana have problems but they are not about to meekly accept talk of their imminent demise. They have worked much too hard to acquire their exalted reputation to go quietly into the night.

Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:

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.

Share this article