F.C. Barcelona- UCL Preview.
“They're the best in Europe, no question about that. In my time as a manager, I would say they're the best team we've faced. Everyone acknowledges that and I accept that. It's not easy when you've been well beaten like that to think another way. No one has given us a hiding like that. It's a great moment for them. They deserve it because they play the right way and enjoy their football.”
– Sir Alex Ferguson after Barcelona defeated Man Utd in 2011 Champions League Final.
3 years ago, Barcelona were at the top of the world. Reigning European Champions, winning the trophy for the 2nd time in 3 years. Half of Spain’s national team squad who were the World Champions then were Barcelona players. Fast forward today, Barcelona don’t hold a single trophy. Spain NT, which still consists of Barcelona core, are humiliated in the World Cup. The core of the Barcelona team which consists of Messi-Iniesta-Xavi-Busquets is the same. Yet, they aren’t the same dominating force as they used to be. Is Barcelona in a decline? Or was last season just a blip in their glorious era? How Barcelona performs this season in the Champions League might just give us the answer to that.
Additions to the Squad:
In what was supposed to a dreadful transfer window for Barcelona due to the impending transfer ban, turned out to be rejuvenating after the ban was lifted. They shipped out the underperformers like Song and also Fabregas who failed to make a major impact especially in the second half of the seasons at Barcelona. They have replaced the outgoing Valdes adequately with Ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo. Rakitic, who had a dream season at Sevilla last season, was bought and he hit the ground running straight away with some solid performances. Vermaelan was bought to add to the struggling defence but is yet to play a match as he is still injured. Suarez was signed for a record fee from Liverpool but is yet to play in a competitive match for Barcelona due to the ban imposed upon him by FIFA for biting Chiellini in the World Cup. Following is a table representing Barcelona’s transfers and their official transfer fee figures.
Flying start to the new season:
While the new additions were expected to take time to gel in the “Barcelona system” as they usually do, Rakitic and Mathieu have set the pace for others to follow. Barcelona have started the league in a dominating fashion as they are yet to concede a goal and have 3 out of 3 matches, scoring 6 in the process. The creative force of Messi, Iniesta, Rakitic has been in full flow as they have created an average of 12 chances each game. While Busquets is yet to be challenged properly by a world class midfield yet, he has provided the spine to Barcelona’s attacks perfectly by completing more than 93% passes he has attempted yet. Rakitic on the other hand has fitted in the side like glove, playing the “Keita” role perfectly alongside Busquets and Iniesta. He has created 4 chances and has been making important defensive contributions from time to time, something that Fabregas lacked in his game. Mathieu has been playing in his preferred centre back role alongside Mascherano and they have been flawless in their defensive work. As a matter of fact, Barcelona is the only team in the top 5 leagues who are yet to face a shot on target this season. With Alba on the left, and Dani Alves, with Montoya deputizing him in his absence, on the right, the full backs have provided the necessary width when required while creating 5 chances among them. Barcelona’s new wonderkid, El Haddadi Munir, has been a revelation this season. Having come through the Barca, Spain U19s and the Spain U21s earlier, he has already made a debut appearance for the Spanish senior team and has notched up a goal for Barcelona’s senior team as well this season. Playing beside stalwarts like Messi, Pedro and Neymar, he hasn’t looked out of place at all this season. Rafinha also looks ready for the first team having performed solidly so far. However among all this, there still remains a guy who runs Barcelona’s team and takes them to a whole another level. After a disappointing end to the recently ended World Cup and a disappointing previous season, Lionel Messi seems rejuvenated under Luis Enrique’s system. From a No.9 last season, he has played a much deeper No.10 or False 9 Role this season and seems to have got his magic touch back. He has created 13 chances this season, assisting 2 goals in the process and scoring 2 as well. However the most recognizable change in his game this season has been the pressing when off the ball which has been missing for a while from his game. With Messi back in top form, Barcelona has been an incredible attacking force this season. An example of the attacking style of football this season under Luis Enrique.
But how will Suarez fit in once he is back?
After the ban period is over, Suarez will be back within 6 weeks from now. Barcelona fans will be eager to watch an ever hungrier Suarez back in action, probably straightaway in an El Clasico duel on 25th October 2014. However, a majority must be worried about how a Striker will fit in an already brimming attacking force. Well Enrique must have given it a hard thought considering the massive amount spent on luring him to the club. Most fans must be worried considering Neymar’s failures last season in big stage apparently due to Messi being too huge an icon for him to be given the necessary freedom to perform. However Enrique might have made a huge masterstroke by going all out for Suarez and this is why.
A 4-2-2 diamond aka A narrow 4-3-3 is the answer to how they will fit in one formation.
This formation is Barcelona’s best bet for a successful season. Busquets playing in his preferred role, Iniesta being the creative force in the midfield, and Rakitic play as Box to Box midfielder, the midfield is well settled.
The attack on the other hand has the potential to blow away the opposition singlehandedly. Neymar will be playing as in inside forward, much similar to Robben’s role in the recently concluded World Cup where he paired with Van Persie. Given the freedom and initiative, he can finally show his best alongside Suarez. Suarez will be playing on the right side of the attack running at the opposition, with or without the ball constantly. Last season at Liverpool, Gerrard and Henderson had their best seasons in the creative department, creating more than more than 120 chances for the strikeforce. While they had brilliant seasons themselves, the stats are highly misleading as most of the chances were indirectly created by the marauding runs of Suarez who led the Liverpool’s title challenge almost singlehandedly at times. The most underrated aspect of Suarez’s game being his attacking work rate, he can work the channels on his own to create the space for Messi and Neymar for them to blow away the opposition. However good the strikeforce is, the season will most importantly depend on the performance of one man and that is Lionel Messi. Incredibly so, this formation could bring out the best out of him and there is a good chance we might actually see a better Messi than the one in the past, if that is even possible. The most under-appreciated aspect of Messi’s gameplay is his vision and passing. In fairness, the fact that he scores 40 goals even in his worst season surely meant that it his hard to look beyond his goal scoring records. However the stunning stats below might just give you an idea on how good he actually is as playmaker.
He has been more creative than most of the best playmakers in the world of football. And that is while playing as a No.9. Now you can imagine him playing behind Suarez and Neymar... Or probably you shouldn’t if you are a rival fan.
Challengers for the glory:
After three disappointing seasons in the Champions league, Barcelona are expected to finally win back the coveted crown. However they could face a few worthy opponents on the way.
1) Bayern Munich: Led by former legendary Barcelona Manager, Pep Guardiola, Bayern are the favourites to win the Champions league having won it just over an year ago. Having strengthened well with additions like Lewandowski and Xabi Alonso, they are a force to reckon with.
2) Real Madrid: Barcelona will be battling out with the defending champions on three fronts and this season promises to show some breathtaking battles between the two rivals yet again.
3) Chelsea: One of the more consistent foes in the Champions league, Chelsea are one of the favorites to take away the ultimate prize. Having strengthened considerably this summer, Jose Mourinho will expect nothing but a win this season.
Barcelona’s immediate opponents in the group stage:
Barcelona are placed in group F alongside the new European bigwigs, PSG, their old foe Ajax and APOEL Nicosia, the champions of Cypriot first division. PSG could prove to be their worthy opponents in the group stage and an important tie at the Parc De Princes awaits. However, Barcelona are the favourites to go through and should fend off APOEL and Ajax easily. Although Ajax could prove to a tricky opposition especially at Amsterdam, on paper, there is no match for Barca’s power packed lineup in the group stage.
First Match: Barcelona Vs APOEL.
A classic David Vs Goliath battle. Although this one could end very differently. Three years after their surprising run to the quarter-finals of the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League, APOEL qualified again for the Champions League, for the third time in their history. But with Barcelona looking to fend off their critics, they couldn’t have chosen a worse opposition to start their campaign. The teams have never faced each other before in their history.
Form Factor:
Barcelona has been flawless as previously mentioned, winning all their matches comfortably.
APOEL on the other hand have not yet hit their stride. Having surprisingly come through the CL qualification campaign unscathed, they have struggled to beat Ermis Arradippou at home, with Sheridan hitting a late winner in a 1-0 win.
How the teams could line up:
APOEL:
They could line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 in this way.
Barcelona:
Barcelona should set up in the familiar 4-3-3 formation as following.
Important battles:
Messi vs APOEL defence: With the player in red hot form, it will be interesting to watch how the APOEL defence try to cope up with him. If they can somehow manage to control him, they can limit the damage to a huge extent.
Iniesta vs Morais: While the Spanish magician has started the season quite brightly, Morais who will be screening the midfield will be up for him.
Players to watch out for:
Barcelona: Messi, Neymar, Rakitic.
APOEL: Sheridan, Nick Ioannou (Highly rated Youth Centre Back signed from Manchester United academy)
“They're the best in Europe, no question about that. In my time as a manager, I would say they're the best team we've faced. Everyone acknowledges that and I accept that. It's not easy when you've been well beaten like that to think another way. No one has given us a hiding like that. It's a great moment for them. They deserve it because they play the right way and enjoy their football.”
– Sir Alex Ferguson after Barcelona defeated Man Utd in 2011 Champions League Final.
3 years ago, Barcelona were at the top of the world. Reigning European Champions, winning the trophy for the 2nd time in 3 years. Half of Spain’s national team squad who were the World Champions then were Barcelona players. Fast forward today, Barcelona don’t hold a single trophy. Spain NT, which still consists of Barcelona core, are humiliated in the World Cup. The core of the Barcelona team which consists of Messi-Iniesta-Xavi-Busquets is the same. Yet, they aren’t the same dominating force as they used to be. Is Barcelona in a decline? Or was last season just a blip in their glorious era? How Barcelona performs this season in the Champions League might just give us the answer to that.
Additions to the Squad:
In what was supposed to a dreadful transfer window for Barcelona due to the impending transfer ban, turned out to be rejuvenating after the ban was lifted. They shipped out the underperformers like Song and also Fabregas who failed to make a major impact especially in the second half of the seasons at Barcelona. They have replaced the outgoing Valdes adequately with Ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo. Rakitic, who had a dream season at Sevilla last season, was bought and he hit the ground running straight away with some solid performances. Vermaelan was bought to add to the struggling defence but is yet to play a match as he is still injured. Suarez was signed for a record fee from Liverpool but is yet to play in a competitive match for Barcelona due to the ban imposed upon him by FIFA for biting Chiellini in the World Cup. Following is a table representing Barcelona’s transfers and their official transfer fee figures.
Flying start to the new season:
While the new additions were expected to take time to gel in the “Barcelona system” as they usually do, Rakitic and Mathieu have set the pace for others to follow. Barcelona have started the league in a dominating fashion as they are yet to concede a goal and have 3 out of 3 matches, scoring 6 in the process. The creative force of Messi, Iniesta, Rakitic has been in full flow as they have created an average of 12 chances each game. While Busquets is yet to be challenged properly by a world class midfield yet, he has provided the spine to Barcelona’s attacks perfectly by completing more than 93% passes he has attempted yet. Rakitic on the other hand has fitted in the side like glove, playing the “Keita” role perfectly alongside Busquets and Iniesta. He has created 4 chances and has been making important defensive contributions from time to time, something that Fabregas lacked in his game. Mathieu has been playing in his preferred centre back role alongside Mascherano and they have been flawless in their defensive work. As a matter of fact, Barcelona is the only team in the top 5 leagues who are yet to face a shot on target this season. With Alba on the left, and Dani Alves, with Montoya deputizing him in his absence, on the right, the full backs have provided the necessary width when required while creating 5 chances among them. Barcelona’s new wonderkid, El Haddadi Munir, has been a revelation this season. Having come through the Barca, Spain U19s and the Spain U21s earlier, he has already made a debut appearance for the Spanish senior team and has notched up a goal for Barcelona’s senior team as well this season. Playing beside stalwarts like Messi, Pedro and Neymar, he hasn’t looked out of place at all this season. Rafinha also looks ready for the first team having performed solidly so far. However among all this, there still remains a guy who runs Barcelona’s team and takes them to a whole another level. After a disappointing end to the recently ended World Cup and a disappointing previous season, Lionel Messi seems rejuvenated under Luis Enrique’s system. From a No.9 last season, he has played a much deeper No.10 or False 9 Role this season and seems to have got his magic touch back. He has created 13 chances this season, assisting 2 goals in the process and scoring 2 as well. However the most recognizable change in his game this season has been the pressing when off the ball which has been missing for a while from his game. With Messi back in top form, Barcelona has been an incredible attacking force this season. An example of the attacking style of football this season under Luis Enrique.
But how will Suarez fit in once he is back?
After the ban period is over, Suarez will be back within 6 weeks from now. Barcelona fans will be eager to watch an ever hungrier Suarez back in action, probably straightaway in an El Clasico duel on 25th October 2014. However, a majority must be worried about how a Striker will fit in an already brimming attacking force. Well Enrique must have given it a hard thought considering the massive amount spent on luring him to the club. Most fans must be worried considering Neymar’s failures last season in big stage apparently due to Messi being too huge an icon for him to be given the necessary freedom to perform. However Enrique might have made a huge masterstroke by going all out for Suarez and this is why.
A 4-2-2 diamond aka A narrow 4-3-3 is the answer to how they will fit in one formation.
This formation is Barcelona’s best bet for a successful season. Busquets playing in his preferred role, Iniesta being the creative force in the midfield, and Rakitic play as Box to Box midfielder, the midfield is well settled.
The attack on the other hand has the potential to blow away the opposition singlehandedly. Neymar will be playing as in inside forward, much similar to Robben’s role in the recently concluded World Cup where he paired with Van Persie. Given the freedom and initiative, he can finally show his best alongside Suarez. Suarez will be playing on the right side of the attack running at the opposition, with or without the ball constantly. Last season at Liverpool, Gerrard and Henderson had their best seasons in the creative department, creating more than more than 120 chances for the strikeforce. While they had brilliant seasons themselves, the stats are highly misleading as most of the chances were indirectly created by the marauding runs of Suarez who led the Liverpool’s title challenge almost singlehandedly at times. The most underrated aspect of Suarez’s game being his attacking work rate, he can work the channels on his own to create the space for Messi and Neymar for them to blow away the opposition. However good the strikeforce is, the season will most importantly depend on the performance of one man and that is Lionel Messi. Incredibly so, this formation could bring out the best out of him and there is a good chance we might actually see a better Messi than the one in the past, if that is even possible. The most under-appreciated aspect of Messi’s gameplay is his vision and passing. In fairness, the fact that he scores 40 goals even in his worst season surely meant that it his hard to look beyond his goal scoring records. However the stunning stats below might just give you an idea on how good he actually is as playmaker.
He has been more creative than most of the best playmakers in the world of football. And that is while playing as a No.9. Now you can imagine him playing behind Suarez and Neymar... Or probably you shouldn’t if you are a rival fan.
Challengers for the glory:
After three disappointing seasons in the Champions league, Barcelona are expected to finally win back the coveted crown. However they could face a few worthy opponents on the way.
1) Bayern Munich: Led by former legendary Barcelona Manager, Pep Guardiola, Bayern are the favourites to win the Champions league having won it just over an year ago. Having strengthened well with additions like Lewandowski and Xabi Alonso, they are a force to reckon with.
2) Real Madrid: Barcelona will be battling out with the defending champions on three fronts and this season promises to show some breathtaking battles between the two rivals yet again.
3) Chelsea: One of the more consistent foes in the Champions league, Chelsea are one of the favorites to take away the ultimate prize. Having strengthened considerably this summer, Jose Mourinho will expect nothing but a win this season.
Barcelona’s immediate opponents in the group stage:
Barcelona are placed in group F alongside the new European bigwigs, PSG, their old foe Ajax and APOEL Nicosia, the champions of Cypriot first division. PSG could prove to be their worthy opponents in the group stage and an important tie at the Parc De Princes awaits. However, Barcelona are the favourites to go through and should fend off APOEL and Ajax easily. Although Ajax could prove to a tricky opposition especially at Amsterdam, on paper, there is no match for Barca’s power packed lineup in the group stage.
First Match: Barcelona Vs APOEL.
A classic David Vs Goliath battle. Although this one could end very differently. Three years after their surprising run to the quarter-finals of the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League, APOEL qualified again for the Champions League, for the third time in their history. But with Barcelona looking to fend off their critics, they couldn’t have chosen a worse opposition to start their campaign. The teams have never faced each other before in their history.
Form Factor:
Barcelona has been flawless as previously mentioned, winning all their matches comfortably.
APOEL on the other hand have not yet hit their stride. Having surprisingly come through the CL qualification campaign unscathed, they have struggled to beat Ermis Arradippou at home, with Sheridan hitting a late winner in a 1-0 win.
How the teams could line up:
APOEL:
They could line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 in this way.
Barcelona:
Barcelona should set up in the familiar 4-3-3 formation as following.
Important battles:
Messi vs APOEL defence: With the player in red hot form, it will be interesting to watch how the APOEL defence try to cope up with him. If they can somehow manage to control him, they can limit the damage to a huge extent.
Iniesta vs Morais: While the Spanish magician has started the season quite brightly, Morais who will be screening the midfield will be up for him.
Players to watch out for:
Barcelona: Messi, Neymar, Rakitic.
APOEL: Sheridan, Nick Ioannou (Highly rated Youth Centre Back signed from Manchester United academy)
