Villarreal 1 Barça 2
Sunday, 21 December 08, 11:14 AM · Comments (31)
Barça finished the year with a heroic 1-2 victory over Villareal which leaves takes us into the christmas break with a massive ten point lead at the top of the table. Goals from Seydou Keita and Thierry Henry turned the game in Barça's favour after Cani had given Villarreal the lead just after half time. Gerard Piqué was unfairly sent off for two yellow cards but Barça's ten men held on for the last twenty minues to clinch the three points.
Pep Guardiola surprised by leaving Toure Yaya on the bench but Sergio Busquets did well in his place as Barça generally dominated in midfield. Keita came in for Eidur Gudjohnsen, and Gerard Piqué replaced the injured Rafa Marquez.
Barça had more control in the first half but struggled to create chances against a well organised Villarreal defence. Messi, Eto'o and Henry changed positions constantly but it was only the Frenchman who had any chances. The first came in the third minute when Xavi sent a short ball in but Henry's attempt to slip the ball past Diego Lopez was denied by the goalkeeper's outstretched leg. Villarreal looked to hit Barça on the break but were usually frustrated by Rossi running offside, in the 19th minute, however, Rossi broke from his own half for a clear run on goal but his shot was pulled wide of the far post.
Barça came close to taking the lead in the 27th minute when a corner was cleared to Busquets who sent in a terrific volley from 25 yards which brought a great diving save from Diego Lopez. Then in the 36th minute a poor ball out of defence was intercepted by Henry who went on a run down the left but Xavi couldn't get a touch on his cross and when Messi attempted to turn the ball back towards goal Xavi once again just missed getting the killer touch.
It often looked likely that Barça could be caught out playing an advanced defensive line, and just after half time Rossi played a ball over the top and Cani timed his diagonal run perfectly to get a run on goal and he put Villarreal in front by flicking the ball over Victor Valdés's shoulder. However, it didn't take long for Barça to get back in the game; in the 54th minute Xavi opened the play to Alves on the right and his cross was met by Keita, leaping bravely in front of Diego Lopez to head into the empty net.
Three minutes later Xavi played the ball inside to Messi who flicked the ball over to Eto'o who sent in a powerful volley but it went straight at the goalkeeper. Barça continued to press and in the 66th minute Xavi spotted space to run into the right side of the area before crossing for Henry to score with a side-footed volley into the bottom corner of the goal.
Villarreal looked rattled but they were offered a lifeline when Gerard Piqué saw two yellow cards in the space of three minutes. The first was deserved for shirt pulling but the second appeared to be unlucky after he jumped for a ball with Guille Franco with his arm raised but there seemed to be no contact despite Franco going down holding his face. The ref saw otherwise and Piqué was given his marching orders and Carles Puyol was booked for protesting. Guardiola reorganised bringing on Martin Caceres for Thierry Henry.
The ref then made his second mistake of the game when he ignored a trip on Eto'o in the area in the 81st minute. Barça held on despite Villarreal creating three good chances near the end, but Franco and Nihat both shot wide when they had a clear sight on goal and Godin headed over in injury time.
I am probably happier after this win than I was after beating Madrid last week. El Madrigal is always a tough ground for us and to win there with ten men is a great achievement. The win is the seventh successive away league win which is a club record. It extends the run to eleven away wins in all competitions, also a record. And according to the TV commentators this is now the best ever start to a league campaign after 16 games by any club in the history of the league: thirteen wins, two draws and only one defeat. We finish the difficult run of four games with victories over our closest rivals, Sevilla, Valencia, Madrid and Villarreal. One can imagine that those clubs may feel the league is already over despite there still being 22 games to play.
It's difficult to single players out today but Thierry Henry deserves praise for a fine performance and a vital winning goal while Dani Alves was again very impressive with his non-stop running up and down the right flank. Xavi had a quiet first half but an excellent second half and he was involved in both goals. It's nice to know that we don't just rely on Messi and Eto'o who despite both working hard today had little luck near goal.
It's now time to enjoy christmas, I doubt we will often have such a big lead at the top of the table at this time of year. After two disappointing seasons we once again have a team to be truly proud of. Happy holidays people!
Barça: Valdés 6.5; Alves 7.5, Piqué 6.5, Puyol 7, Abidal 7; Xavi 7.5, Busquets 7 (Toure m66, 6.5), Keita 7; Messi 6.5, Eto'o 6.5 (Hleb m83, 6), Henry 8 (Caceres m79, 6.5).
Goals: m48 Cani 1-0, m54 Keita 1-1, m66 Henry 1-2
Barça cards: m71 Piqué, m73 Piqué = red, m74 Xavi, m74 Eto'o
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31 Comments · Add yours
Nice write-up Nic. I'm really happy with this win as well. It was by no means easy. Well done, Barça! Perhaps the best Christmas gift a Barça fan can get...
By the way, did Xavi get a yellow for protesting as well?
Great summary Nic. This was a perfect ending for an amazing season so far. Keep it up.
Caleb, I believe so, at least according to the TV broadcaster. Still, I can't believe what Pique was booked for. I've seen the replay several times.
It was a really strong performance to be able to win away at El Madrigal with a strong Villareal (but ineffective), one man less, and one denied penalty. Truly impressive.
I really believe that the current crop of Barca players will create history come the end of the season . Games like these show the real character and fire within the team ...
Merry Christmas to all of u and Viva la Barca !!!
I will keep it short and sweet...FORCA BARCA!
I couldn´t have asked for a better present this year. This is great and although we do not want to look too far out, I have a hard time seeing anyone catch us at this point. I would like to see a new signing during this winter transfer window. I think that we need another solid centerback. I know that Marquez is doubling that spot with Pique but just to be on the safe side of things. Anyway, this was a great game to watch and Nic´s report does it justice. I , however, disagree that it feels better than beating Real Madrid. But I think you meant the idea of beating everyone while on our way to the top of the ¨Babel Tower¨...
Jeez...I hope Winterhunt is sill alive and witnessing all this from somewhere around the world!!!
In each of the four games, we have asserted our dominance without compromising our style at all. Its amazing how well the players link up to move the ball around the field. Each and every one of them pointed out passing options to their teammates as they passed the ball to them. No wonder they were in total control of posession against such a staunch defence.
This was bound to be the toughest game of the season so far. One that would test Barcelona's determination to rule La Liga and to witness a come from behind with a man down, I cannot help but admit:
BEST BARCA EVER!
Brilliant stuff...merry xmas all!
highlights
LINK
what makes d victory sweeter is the fact that we shut all the 'messi-dependency' critics like a shutdown
, he wasnt much of a significant factor today. we pulled a tough away victory with 10 men with our best player out of sorts.
henry was very impressive with his direct style which is becomin normal now, but i think the rotations certainly favoured him more and has restricted messi and eto more
@diatus
another center back??????????????????
u jokin, milito has just come back and caceres has hardly played, take it easy
I couldn't ask for more from this team.
The whole team are incredible.EVERY SINGLE PERSON.
Merry Christmas Fellow Barca Fans and enjoy the moment while you can
BARCA 4 EVER AND EVER
I swear Busquets' purpose is to be a wall in the midfield. Passes just bounce off his feet and find a teammate. He never dwells on the ball. All one touch. Its unbelievable.
i forgot to say MERRY XMAS to y'all
have a wonderful festive season
Also guys isn't it great to see Titi back in some great form. Not sure what has caused it but he seems alot more settled now and his confidence is back up. Great to see.
Also - Busquets is a total star of the future. Lets hope he gets signed up to a bigger and better contract soon
Merry xmas to all from all he Aussie Barca fans here
must say i watched the game and im impressed with our boys performances.It was well deserve win and we are a well organized team.go barca go, and merry christmas guys from ur fellow barca fan in the caribbean.
Yeah, I forgot to say merry Christmas, too. So, merry Christmas! Have a good one.
the team worked hard tonight, but more impressively we worked as a team. i agree with one of the comments that this performance really nullifies the 'messi-dependency' claims.
i thought xavi has a great game and was not simply shut out like he was against madrid. busquets is one hell of a 'B' player. a 'B' player as good or even better than most 'A' team players of any other club!
what a great end to the year! i hope we can carry on this form till the end of the season and win all 3 competitions =)
15/15 from the other big teams, thats just incredible and despite having some critiques on the game, im not going to say anything really. this was our toughest game against the opponent that gave us the most issues. i think that xavi was the MOM, his 2nd half was unbelievable. the 2nd goal he just thought "i have to do this myself", amazing spin, amazing cross, and if henry did not finish it so well i would have lost my mind. messi had a really poor game, he has had strange games in the last 3, his work rate was horrendous, he just sat in the middle and waited. anyhow, maybe he is sore or tired, the break should do him well. otherwise i was very happy with keita today.
we are dominating but really we cannot get overconfident and i think pep is the perfect person to keep the team grounded. we have not won a damn thing yet, its very important to keep that in mind. but were we are right now, league record 41 pts, u cannot smile enough!
and diatus, i see layibi already commented but are u crazy asking for another center back????? we have right now pique, puyol, marquez and caceres. milito is coming back and we have henrique on loan who wants to come back next year. seriously man, we have TOO many center backs.
Just checked with the official LFP site and the yellow cards given after Piqué's sending off were for Xavi and Eto'o.
Ugh..Eto'o is too passionate sometimes - needs to stop with the unnecessary cards
send him to kazi
great performance from our the players.
xavi amazing what he was doing during the game, he is absolutly best midfielder attacking of the world at the moment.
all of the players they were hardworking and understantand each other and again i am saying thanks all of them.
i am very delightfull what the great win and important points.
i couldn't think there is the club which thinks to catch barca for the laliga title but we have to be prudent.
well come 2009 and happy all of the my freinds.
i can't to participate your xmas, because i am muslim, and i will wait till next game, if allah accept it.
byee all of you!
dont be so happy we will come to u all BRA-ca fans after christmas,we will fuk u up rmber ma words,wii will take our revenge at the Santiago Bernabeu,u defeated us when we were injured u coward BRA-CELONA players,after all these injuries u scord such a crapy goal on Casillas Eto'os goal was awfull,luky son of a bitch,and messi he was crying like his sister or momma when they are fukd up,i just want to remind u all stupid Bra-ca fans that cannavaro scord an own goal not Messi
HALA MADRID!!!!!!!!!!11
HALA MADRID!
ali-10 you are the worst pathetic sore loser i have ever seen., maybe even more sore than cannavaro's hip at el classico, you are F$#king lucky i am on a yellow card on this blog otherwise i woud have gave you a piece of my mind, and it aint pretty like madrids lil white wedding dresses they call kits.
how dare you
HAHAHAHAHAHA....ali.....HAHAHAHHA
I dont think u watch ur own team play cos if you did you would realize how much of an idiot you must be. Did u see them against Valencia, diving, rolling around, holding their faces.....all like little girls. Cannavaro, Gutti, Drenthe, Raul, all little girls in pretty white dresses.....LOL. Messi compared to all of those divers doesnt go down at all. Its not his fault that your team is so poor you have to resort to kicking our players to try and win. I expect such things from small, inferior teams but from Real MAdrid.....well u would expect them to try and play football....how shameful it must be for a Madrid fan to watch his players play at such a disgraceful level. I would be ashamed.
Now....on to more important issues....last nights game! What a game it was. I always knew this was going to be the toughest game of the lot and boy was i right. Before this game i would have taken a draw so I am very happy we walked away with all 3 points. Villareal are a force at home and they play a very aggressive dominating game, we just do it a lot better than they do. We have now won 2 of the hardest away games we are going to play this season. I will be honest I never expected us to win all these games, i expected to drop at least a point somewhere but the team proved me wrong. What a performance and what a fight back to win this game. I think the worse thing Villareal could have done was to score. Before their goal we looked a little on edge, like we didnt want to risk too much. After their goal we came alive and to be honest had it not been for the red card i could have seen us scoring more.
I cannot really fault any player, while some might have been better then others they all worked their asses off and that is all you can really ask for in games like these. Eto'o and Messi did not have their best games and like in the last few games our Frenchman rose to the occasion when he needed to. Anybody who does not see his value should watch the game again....he was quite brilliant. HE was certainly the most dangerous of our front 3 and he could have had 2 if it wasnt for a brilliant save. In fact their keeper made a few great saves to deny us.
Alves btw is worth every last penny and i would love to see some figures on how much ground he covers in games. He NEVER stops running. One second he is up the pitch attacking and before you know it he is back in position defending. Quite outstanding really.
Pep needs to stop playing Messi down the middle it takes a lot from his game and it crowds the middle of the park. Leave him on the right where he does the most damage and opens space in the middle.
Happy new year everyone!!
Fantastic performance from Barca!!
Yes we got lucky in the last ten minutes when Villareal had THREE 1v1's lol but after seeing Madrid have so much luck year in so many games to win the title, Im sure Barca deserve some
The defence did well, especially Alves whose work rate and commitment is always apparent. I dont know what it is, but Pep is really getting the best out of the players like Alves and Henry by getting inside their heads it is definately working. Fair play to him and he deserves the priase he is getting.
Midfeild was solid. Xavi was poor 1st half yet very good 2nd half. His assist for Henry was top class and shows his importance to the team and I just hope the new contract doesnt do what it does to so many others and make them complacent. However I think Xavi is 110% commited to the cause and even if he is petting paid a kings randsom to kick a ball, he will put his heart into it and congrats on him signing a new contract.
Onto the forwards, Messi as others have said was below average. He has been not good this month to be honest, which is a shame as these matches I would have expected him to shine most butI think after a long summer with the Olympics etc, the break will give him a break and make him the best again! Eto was decent, worked hard, ran his ass off and did everything he could. Henry was the only one who shined. Contrary to what blaugranaboy said, the way Xavi put spin on the ball, on his weaker foot (if he has one), he did very well to finish that chance. Sometimes it seems whenever Messi misses or does something good it is always 5x as good as when Henry does it but such are the views of football fans
No quarrels anyway, have a good new year all of you, hope the new year brings you good things.
Titi186
kool thierry henry one of the best
Who is this lowlife Ali-10 ? What a sore loser . I hope nic would zip his sorry ass out of here a.s.a.p. !!
u guys shouldn't waste your time answering d ali guy, thats what he wants
@titi
its applies vice-versa to you too
Ali...LMAO...Merry Christmas to you!!! HAHAHAHAHA!
Despite some adversity, average performance by key players and playing one of the top La Liga clubs on the road, Barça overcame . That is a sign of a good team !!
@Layi and Blaugranaboy
No, you heard me right ... I want another centerback and I am not crazy!
1)You guys are nuts to believe that we will see the Milito we saw last year anytime soon. After one year of injury it is hard to think that we can just go back to where he was: not gonna happen, especially with a knee.
2) Marques is proned to injury as we saw last week. I do not need to comment any further on it. It is very obvious that his days as a top flight player are numbered.
3) Caceres is not really a center back. He really is a right/left back. He lacks size and is much more of a Franco Baresi wannabe than pure sang Roger Mendy. I have to admit I like the guy very much but I do not see him holding down Barca in the middle in a Champions´ league final (any takers?)
4) Pique has been great so far! besides a couple of mistakes I am very happy with his displays this season.
5) That only leaves me with Puyol...a beast through and through!!!
6) Enrique would have never been loaned out if he were that ¨fantastic¨ to start with.
The combination in the middle of the defense is i think our possible undoing. I am sure you will cite me the fact that so far we´ve had the best defense in te league, so on and so forth...I agree but I am being forward looking and as we move into the secong half of the season...i am honestly tempted to ¨doubt¨ our ability to be consistent in the middle of the defense.