FC Barcelona opened up a two-point lead at the top of the league with a great 5-0 victory over Eibar aided by Real Madrid's defeat at Levante. The victory gives Barcelona a bit of cushion heading into next week's Clasico. Things have turned around quite a bit of Setién's Barcelona. The pressure was relieved a bit of now.
Once again there was a thing which could worry on display at Camp Nou. Like I have mentioned in previous matches, Barcelona players took the game lightly especially after the break. One could forgive them as a 3-0 lead at the half time allowed them to ease off a bit. For the time being let's focus on the positives from the match.
1. Messi is Back with Goals and lots of it
In my previous article I have written how Messi's mini-goal drought (by his standard) is a point of worry for Setién. In that article I have also mentioned once he scores, then it could be floodgates opening. It was essential for Barcelona that he goes into the Napoli and Real Madrid match with goals in the pocket. That's exactly what happened.
Messi himself seems relieved after scoring the first. It shouldn't have been a worry as was assisting goals left, right and center. But still, the Captain knows clearly that with him scoring, the pressure could be heavy on the opposition. Now let's wait and see whether he gets to repeat his magic against Napoli away from home. If that happens, then Real Madrid could be in for some serious treatment from Messi at the Bernebeu, his favorite away stadium!
2. Braithwaite made a dream Debut at Camp Nou
Braithwaite had received a huge share of criticism and ridicule after making the move to Barcelona. But the real target of those was the management as I have mentioned in the my previous article. Naturally, a lot of people compared him to Boateng, and I have written why that is unfair.
But Braithwaite produced a masterclass of a debut at the Camp Nou in front of a very agitated crowd. He kept things simple and played to his strengths and most importantly looked confident. It was great to see his disappointment when his shot didn't go in but was subsequently turned in by Arthur. If he keeps things simple, he may be quite a signing by Barcelona.
3. No Suspension for Umtiti and Lenglet
Barcelona was in real danger of missing two of their center backs for the Clasico. Both Umtiti and Lenglet were a card away from suspension, but the good news is that both played and both came without any card.
I have to admire the courage of Setién, he took off Pique and brought in Umtiti. That kind of statement on the field looks like have re-energized the squad. For once after a long time, we are playing with a passion, not fear.
All About FC Barcelona
AllAboutFCBarcelona.com is a Blog dedicated to the Most prestigous Club in the world, FC Barcelona by an ardent fan. Here I discuss about the Latest happening surrounding our Club and present my Views about the same.
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