BARCELONA OUTCLASSED!

Story written by Patrick Kamanga

BARCELONA OUTCLASSED!

Real Madrid were hungrier and wanted it more!

The much awaited “El Classico” fixture between Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona has come to pass. What was disappointing from a neutral’s point of view is that it was never quite a contest. Despite starting with a frenetic pace and even getting an early goal on the 7^th minute via a Neymar brace, Barca simply faded away as Real took over the game and kept cranking it up. By the time the second half was setting off, Real’s class was obvious for all to witness. Only Real Madrid’s seeming disinterest at scoring more goals saved Barca from an embarrassing score line as the game wore on keeping the scoreline at a decent 3-1!

Since Dutchman Frank Riijkard whose star-studded Barcelona outfit marveled the football world with a three dimensional style which ushered in the “tiki taka” era left, Barca ceased having a balanced approach. His successor Pep Guardiola’s philosophy was ultra offensive and he couldn’t have had a care in the world for having defenders. His approach was holistic though, the team as a whole defended by suffocating opponents with possession while pressing and closing down spaces and would hit opponents through minute spaces in their own box an approach that won them a treasure trove of trophies. Last night’s show was painful to watch, a total disappointment even for neutrals who were expecting a thrilling contest. All the big players on the Catalan side simply didn’t show up for the game, lacked belief and some like Pique simply imploded! The midfield, for long Barcelona’s mainstay was completely off and devoid of any creativity and ideas. Messi in particular looked lost for most of the game while Xavi and Iniesta were anonymous! 

Messi had a game to forget

The harshest criticism though goes to former Barca and Spain national team Captain Luiz Enrique, now Coach of the Catalan outfit who seemed clueless the whole time. From his squad selection to tactics, and even substitutions, he was no match for his opposite number Carlo Ancelloti. 

A clueless Luis Enrique orchestrated one of the worst Barca performances in recent memory

Despite their over hyped start to the season, Barcelona looked average and if this clash is anything to go by then the future looks ominous especially in the Champions League where they’ve been largely unconvincing and against other refined opponents in the elimination rounds, they will simply get pulverized!