Dundee Utd 1 Barça 5
Saturday, 26 July 08, 09:53 AM · Comments (25)
Dundee United fans at Tannadice Park may go home disappointed with the result but at least they had the consolation of seeing Leo Messi. United began the game well, even took the lead and went in at half time on level terms. However, the entrance of Messi in the second half made all the difference and he capped another excellent performance with a hat-trick in the space of 24 minutes.
There were few chances early on as Barça failed to break down the United defence despite dominating the possession with Crosas spreading the ball well. In the 24th minute a great pass from Crosas sent Henry through and a goal looked certain but the Frenchman hit his shot over the bar. United punished Barça a minute later when a mistake by Caceres allowed a cross to come in from the left which was headed home by the unmarked Bauben at the far post. Barça took less than a minute to equalize when United's defence failed to deal with an Alves cross which found Henry whose first shot was parried but the rebound fell kindly and Henry hit it home left footed.
Henry had another good chance in the 38th minute when Bojan crossed from the right but Henry mishit his shot wide. In the 44th minute Barça won their eighth corner of the half, Marquez flicked on at the near post and Gudjohnsen could only manage to force the ball onto the post.
As against Hibs on Thursday, Barça played at a different level with Messi in the team. It took him just nine minutes to put Barça in front after the ball came back to him off Eto'o and he ran on into the left side of the penalty area before sliding the ball under the keeper. A minute later Eto'o missed a chance to make it three after a defensive mix-up, but in the 60th minute he made no mistake after getting on the end of a poor back pass.
In the 76th minute Messi got his second with a classy volley after combining with Eto'o. And then three minutes later the keeper saved well at Eto'o's feet but Messi was on hand to complete his hat-trick.
Dundee United were a more difficult opponent than Hibs so it was great to see Barça's excellent second half. We are creating plenty of chances and there is a good work-rate with the team winning the ball back quickly and also some excellent off the ball movement. After just two games in Scotland I am very excited about this team. On Wednesday we play our next game at Fiorentina which should be a better test to judge the team on. By then we should have Xavi, Iniesta and Puyol all back which can only make things even better.
Barça: (first half) Valdés; Alves, Caceres, Marquez, Victor Sanchez; Keita, Crosas, Gudjohnsen; Pedrito, Henry, Bojan.
Barça: (second half) Pinto; Alves (Abraham m63), Caceres, Pique, Victor Sanchez (Corcoles m80); Victor Vazquez, Toure, Busquets; Messi, Eto'o, Jeffren.
Goals: 1-0 Bauben m25, 1-1 Henry m26, 1-2 Messi m54, 1-3 Eto'o m60, 1-4 Messi m76, 1-5 Messi m79.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
Jeffren , damn !!
At least this part of the preseason was a success 
now i'm looking forward to the Fiorentina game which would be tougher.
It's good to see that the players are gelling well and putting in effort. let it continue throughout the season. Visca Barca. 
Goals, Goals, Goals, what did i say?? I said Goals, Goals Goals!!! Future looks bright Barca getting. Goals !!Goals!! Goals!!
ghjhgjhj ala kula nbeth ta ngula
Wow, Messi is on fire!!!! Amazing results.
Not good for us merengues...lol.... 
25 Comments · Add yours
I was very impressed with Jefferen . He should take over the left back position over the useless Abidal !!
Sorry I meant Jeffern. Does he play left back or left wing ? I'm confused !!