Yet another Classico has come and gone . The much anticipated match up has gone the way of the world champions . What is notable is the fact that the Barca's victory came after the fastest goal ever scored in the classico was registered against them courtesy " el loco " Valdez. What is even more compelling is the fact that the victory was achieved in the house of Real Madrid !
I really prefer to avoid Messi vs Ronaldo's discussions ...that goes along with Palos saying Messi " eh go win nothing ! " sometime ago. I am sure some epsom salts would have purged that thought from him long ago as I see he is a bit mote balanced now. Good job Palos ...keep taking those salts
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The discussion I would love to contribute to is the MOM ... ..Xavi stole the show for me today. When the team was down Xavi kept the supply up and the fluidity of the team eventually returned. While Iniesta then came into his own in the second half, Xavi was the team motivator today. anbody who has used a four wheel suitcase will understand if i describe his movement as such.
Messi gots lots of attention today but Xavi could not be contained..he was here there and everywhere . I would love to read what the experts have to say about his performance today.
As usual Morinho has got it wrong again vs Barca ..I notice he gets praise when he gets it right but some feel afraid ti comment when he gets it wrong. I guess we are from different schools of football. I much prefer the strengthen the middle when you need goals with your best poacher expected to do the trick. Morinho. like Maradona for Argentina is of the view that more attackers will do the job. It has not worked and will not work against Barca... a team which depends on a functioning midfield to keep their front players supplied and to cut off the opposing forwards from their suppliers.
Now my theory may not have worked against Barca gut it is yet to be tried so I would wait and see. I predict that unless a team swamps its middle it will perish against Barca's possession football...cut off the blood supply and the body dies is my philosophy and Real has the players to do just that. They have players with lungs but refuse to give them a go .....today you had Benzema , Higuain and Ronaldo waiting up front for sporadic supply as the coach had taken off their suppliers .... the team was virtually asking the other 7 outfield players to play against the 10 of Barca all of whom were involved in the second half . eg. Marcelo was under so much pressure he could not play his usual attacking game ... while alves could !
So for me Morinho got his pieces in the wrong place on this puzzle ...while Pep, as usual, with so many options and great players, got his right.