Five Star Barça Sink the Yellow Submarine

Published on August 29, 2011 by Jamie McGregor · 1 Comment

Defenders, who needs them? Not Barcelona if tonight is anything to go by. Pep Guardiola’s side started with only one of them (Eric Abidal) but that didn’t stop them dispatching of Villarreal with ease. In what was a night Guardiola can claim justifies his transfer policy over the summer, there were league debut goals for Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sánchez as well as goals from Thiago and the customary Messi show (this time a double).

Barcelona went into the match in something of a defensive dilemma after injuries to Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqué, Dani Alves, Maxwell and Adriano but Guardiola’s decision to partner Busquets and Mascherano with the aforementioned Abidal in a back three worked almost without problems. Of course it was made easier by the presence of Thiago and Fabregas in a midfield that played so well you sometimes forgot Xavi wasn’t on the pitch until 55 minutes in.

After Real Madrid’s six goal victory in Zaragoza yesterday, Barcelona were keen to prove they’re still the team to beat in Spain and came flying out the traps. In an intense opening 20 minutes, Busquets hit the bar while Messi had a shot well saved by Diego López. The opening goal seemed just a matter of time and it duly arrived on 25 minutes when Thiago ran unchallenged to the edge of the visitor’s box and coolly slotted the ball past López. It seemed the flood gates may open but Villarreal rallied and even registered their first shot on goal when Guiseppe Rossi slammed a volley into the side netting. Indeed it looked like the yellow submarine would go in at the break only one goal behind but right on the stroke of half-time Barcelona added a killer second. Leo Messi played a Xavi-esque pass for Fabregas who rounded López to score his first league goal for Barcelona.

The half-time break gave Villarreal time to re-group but no longer had the second 45 started than another Barcelona new boy, Alexis Sánchez, had opened his account. This time the beautiful through ball was from Fabregas and Alexis used all his speed to break clear and calmly fire past López. Five minutes later it was four as a more established goalscorer, Leo Messi, got in on the act. It was a typical Barcelona goal with Iniesta playing a one-two with Fabregas before slipping in Messi who did the rest.

By this time Barcelona were closing in on Real Madrid’s tally of six and that feat became more achievable on 75 minutes when Messi got his second following some good link up play with Thiago. Indeed they almost got there but a combination of good goalkeeping and near misses kept the score at five and Real Madrid as leader. Not that Guardiola will be too bothered about that.

Goals

Thiago (25), Fabregas (45), Alexis (47), Messi (51, 75)