Barca made it easy for themselves yesterday evening in icy temperatures and on an artificial pitch to go through to the next round of the Champions League.
They beat Spartak Moscow by a convincing 3 goals to nil and although they knew that a draw would be enough, Tito’s men went out for a win. The Catalan side named a full-strength side as they bid to secure their qualification with a game to spare, and it proved the right decision as Tito’s men galloped into a three-goal lead before the halftime break.
Goals came from Alves just after 16 minutes on the clock and then who other but Messi, puts the game well and truly out of Spartak’s reach with another fine brace of goals in the same half. With the first half over and 3 nil on the scoreboard, Barca’s work in Russia was done.
Barca did well to get on the scoreboard early as these games can become quite complicated. Tito was well aware of the Russian’s ability to counter attack and therefore came prepared for such an event. Messi meanwhile, continued to break records and Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record in the champions League is now history for Leo. The Argentine is now on course to take Raúl’s record who has 71 goals in the champions League.
Tito opted to ensure ball possession by teaming up Cesc with Busquets along with Xavi and Iniesta. It paid off as the Spartak team were left out in the cold, literally!
It also helped to get on the scoreboard early. First, Pedro fired a warning to Unai Emery’s men and then the Brazilian Dani Alves found the target on 16 minutes. Barca’s tranquil and organised play was getting to the Spartak team who didn’t quite manage to bother the Catalan side except for one shot by Suchy that went high.
Less pressure in the second half
With 3 goals on the scoreboard and Barca not wanting to force the machine too much, the Catalans opted to lower the tempo in the second half. They dealt with any possible Spartak counter attack and held their line perfectly.
Late in the second half came 3 substitutions in the shape of Alex Song for Xavi on 36 minutes, Deulofeu for Pedro on 39 minutes and Montoya for Jordi Alba on 41 minutes respectively. Barca’s work was finished here in Russia and now they go comfortably into the last 16 of the Champions League.
Chelsea didn’t fare too well last night as they crashed out to Juventus losing 3 nil and a young Manchester United had a tough game against Turkish bad boys Galatasaray in which they lost by a goal to nil.
Ferguson said after the match:
“There were two to shocking challenges in the first 10 minutes — they were lucky to keep 11 men on the pitch.
The Manchester united boss was referring to Felipe Melo’s studs-up tackle on Nick Powell after just four minutes of play. Although they lost, it doesn’t bother United as they still lead the group and go comfortable into the last 16. Roberto Di Matteo on the other hand may face the axe and Rafa Benitez might be the one who takes the hot seat at the Blues.
*Update: Roberto Di Matteo is sensationally axed by Roman Abramovich as Chelsea manager just six months after leading Chelsea to Champions League greatness!
Información Bitacoras.com…
Valora en Bitacoras.com: It was a cold night and a night where Barcelona left Spartak Moscow out in the cold by beating them a convincing three goals to nil. Goals came from Dani Alves on 16 minutes and Messi wrapped things up with a brace before hal…..