After this exciting beginning, Barça has ridden along the Bernabeu during the whole match, like if it were the Grand National. A A few reflections I have got from this Clasico:
1st. I recommend to everyone to record this match, because today all the Barça players have shown the best version of themselves. I am sure that this Clasico, apart from the magnificint result, 2-6, the triumph is something new in football. It’s a slightly evolution from Cruyff’s typical rotation. Barça has shown its credentials by rotating the ball, but also speeding up the game very, very much. Facing this strategy, the rival becomes knocked out. There’s nothing that can stop the ability that Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Henry and Yaya have to structure the centre. It’s like playing pool on the football field, though far more exciting.
2nd. Piqué has consolidated himself as the new star in this scenario. The central defender has worked with Puyol by consolidating a strong defence. Despite the error of the second goal that left Ramos alone, Piqué has shown that he can carry the ball and to open game in the mid-field. This role will be crucial on Wednesday against Chelsea, when Marquez won’t be there. This ability, that Puyol lacks, is very appreciated to make the transition from the defence towards Yaya or Xavi.
3rd. Guardiola has honoured his words from last August when he said to all the Culés that he could not promise results, but he could certainly promise effort. Well, he certainly has broken all the standards as a coach, and what is even better, everybody enjoys this Barça.
4th. I hope that Chelsea won’t get to the UEFA Champions League final because it would be the victory of speculative football against wonderful football. In these days, we all know where excessive speculation has taken us, to a big fallout. Don’t let Chelsea mess up such a beautiful game like Barça’s.
… to be continued in these exciting weeks that still to come!
Big Up Barça!!!
I totally agree with you two, my friends… it was sunday’s morning when I notticed the real importance of that 2-6, by watching hundreds of times all the goals and highlights. Later on, hearing the oppinions of elder people, who lived Cruyff’s 0-5, my thoughts were ratified by them: “Those were other times, no titles were won, and the quality of football of this Barça cannot be compared, it’s above Dream Team’s and any team of Barça’s history”
It’s amazing the celebrations in Canaletes and the Airport, Guardiola and his guys have’nt won nothing, but this team is a world champion in the eyes of their supporters, no doubt!
A great piece Pim – you (and all the other Cules) must be so delighted. As you say, it was not just the result but the way Barca dismantled Real Madrid which could have an effect on Madrid and the game to come (hopefully in a positive way).
A couple of other points to add to your analysis:
a) Messi was amazing and yet he missed a few ‘easy’ chances. It could have been 10!
b) I have never seen a so-called top defender like Sergio Ramos be so humiliated in such a way. He might not come back after that performance.
c) Madrid’s tactics were astonishingly naive. To allow their aging and slow defence (Metzelder, Cannavarro and Heinze) to be so exposed was incredible. Gago and Lass are over-rated and were not able to offer any defensive cover – their main job. With Perez coming in as president next season there will be sweeping changes in Chamartin.
d)There was some feeling in England that after Liverpool’s defeat of Madrid in the CL that maybe Spain’s division was not as strong as the Premier League. This result last night will add to that speculation.
e) I totally agree with your wishes concerning Chelsea in the Champions League. While the beauty of football is that a team can play any style it wishes in order to win I believe that there is a ‘right way’ of playing the game. Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and the rest all play that way.