If there is ever a football representation to what is referred to as a 'Sunday picnic', Real Zaragoza can be considered as lunch to FC Barcelona's day out. The match started with all guns blazing, and soon became obvious that the game will be highly dominated and controlled by Barça. Thiago finally showed his fantastic talent, without resorting to needless risks, and his focus truly orchestrated the game, with Tello wrecking havoc to the backline and left-wing with his immense speed and technical skills. A dominant performance, with the 0-3 scoreline ,tells little of the brilliance on display.
Real Zaragoza started with:Roberto; Paredes, Álvaro González, Loovens, Sapunaru; Movilla, Mari; Montañés, Rodri Lozano, Víctor Rodríguez; Postiga
The Blaugrana went into the match with purpose, and Tello's 45th second shot was an indication of what was to come, after an assist from Bartra. The front three were the same from the Mallorca demolition of last weekend, but this time Fàbregas and Sánchez took a backseat to Tello and Thiago.
Although the start of the game was quick, it took Barça 20 minutes to score the first goal. From a Zaragoza corner, Thiago launched a counter attack, and passed the ball to Alexis, who returned it into the box for Thiago to score.
The next 19 minutes were all blue and red, controlling the ball with no threat from the home side. And then a sharp pass from Thiago split the defense and found Tello rushing unto the goalkeeper. He controlled it at speed, and slammed it beyond Roberto into the goal, on the 39th minute.
The second half started with a couple of substitutions by the home side. Sánchez then hit a cheeky and skillful long chip over the Zaragoza keeper, which unfortunately only managed to hit the crossbar. However, it only took 8 minutes for Tello to run along the left-wing, then dance across the defender inside the box, and shoot the ball at a narrow angle, across the diving keeper into the far side of the goal. What started with an assist from Thiago, finished with amazing skill by Tello.
The rest of the game kept on being entertaining with attacks by both sides, although the home side's attempts were rarely dangerous. Alves, Bartra, and Montoya put in a good shift of snuffing out any possible threats, with the latter two putting more claim on regular starts. Montoya will have to accept backup for Alves and Alba, but Bartra dominated at the back with his height, skill, strength and speed. Adriano did a good job as well, but he was less spread out on the pitch, probably to avoid any extra exertion after his recent consecutive injuries. He was duly replaced on the 78th minute to make way for Abidal, who came on to play his 2nd game after returning from his long injury.
Sergi Roberto soon replaced Xavi on the 81st minute, and then Tello was pulled off at the 84th for Villa. What remained of the match was mostly constant threats by Barça, and a couple of half-attempts by Real Zaragoza.
Things looked positive through this game, especially after Thiago showed his true ability of skillful play, to push his team forward and keep it ticking. Hopefully the time of his risky flicks and attempted tricks for the sake of showing off are over. I apologize if I sound harsh on him, but his latest games before this one were no where close to his true potential because of recklessness; however, he did an amazing job of redeeming himself tonight.
Tello continues to force his name as a deserving starter. He brings tremendous speed, excellent wing play, as well as quick box penetration that no one else in the side can replicate. With him in the team, width of play is guaranteed.
Song is continuing to prove his doubters wrong after putting in an excellent showing in the middle of the pitch. He might not be able to push Busquets out of the starting eleven, but that should by no means be an insult to his ability.
Bartra was impressive in defense, ruling the skies when long balls were launched, and quick on the ground to prevent the Zaragoza players from penetrating he box. An excellent showing, that is surely giving him confidence, and furthering his claim on the center back spot, alongside Piqué.
With the shadow of the game against Bayern looming long, it will be imperative to take next weekend's game against Levante seriously. The starting defenders and attackers of Barça against Bayern, will be chosen based on these 2 games. Although Pedro is highly likely to start alongside Messi (if he makes his predicted recovery), it still leaves one spot open for either Tello, Villa, Fàbregas and Alexis. As for the defense, Bartra has been putting in a competent showing, and is the most fit and skilled central defender to partner Piqué. However, it is still to be seen if Tito will consider it a risk to play him against the likes of Ribery, Robben, Müller and Pizarro.
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