Sensational Ansu Fati scores twice and creates another to help Koeman open his Barcelona Managerial era in some style.
Much was expected of Ansu Fati who officially became a first-team player this season. And he didn't disappoint. Surrounded by all proven stars, the 17-year old produced sensational football securing Barcelona a brilliant victory in the season opener. He scored twice, secured a penalty and was a threat throughout on the left-wing.
The opener against Villareal was considered a very tricky affair. But then Barcelona had Ansu Fati, who along with Alba was in full flow on the left-hand side of the pitch. Messi whose commitment will be questioned from many corners this season scored one goal via a penalty and created the chance which ended in the fourth goal.
I honestly will not go overboard with this victory, as the opposition played a huge part here. In the first half, they completely got overwhelmed on the left and that had a huge telling on the game. Fati and Alba were terrorizing them on the left and literally, there was no marking on these players.
As expected Koeman started with the 4-2-3-1 formation with Alba, Lenglet, Pique and Roberto in defence. The double-pivot was occupied by De Jong and Busquets. In front of the, we had Fati on left, Coutinho in middle and Griezmann on the right. Messi occupied the striker role. Griezmann was wasted in the role on the right.
Barcelona had an early scare when Paco Alcacer created a great chance for his team to score, but Villareal wasted that chance. From then on it was simply a one-sided affair. In the 15th minute, Fati opened the scoring after Alba squared the ball to him. He doubled the score in another four minutes, this time Coutinho acting as the provider.
Fati wasn't done for the day! In the 35th minute, he secured his side a penalty which Messi converted to take the team 3-0 ahead. Lionel Messi made it 4-0 when he sent in an exquisite pass into the box almost finding Busquets which resulted in the Torres own goal.
The second half was a bit dull compared to the first half. It was majorly due to Barcelona taking the foot off the pedal and also Villareal being a bit more organized.
In the end, amid all the self-doubts and disappointments, this was a great way to kick start the La Liga campaign. The team looked like it has started enjoying playing the game. Let's all hope this continues!
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