Pretty nights returned to the Camp Nou once again as FC Barcelona thumped local rivals Espanyol CF 5-0 in the Catalan derby. Beautiful football, lots of chances, a Leo Messi hattrick, Ousmane Dembele’s debut, an Alba and Semedo masterclass; the game was a thorough positive check mark on Valverde’s list of do’s.
Valverde started Lionel Messi as the False 9, the position that Leo and Guardiola managed to turn into a nightmare for European defences. And boy! he didn’t disappoint.
Barcelona went ahead at the 26th minute mark after Messi received a beautiful pass from Rakitic in the penalty box, dribbled past one and scored past a helpless Pau Lopez. Espanyol’s misfortune got exposed by the camera replay which showed that the goal was clearly offside. Massive let down. Misfortune completed a disastrous double for Espanyol as Piatti’s glorious chance hit the woodwork.
Barca then doubled their advantage just before the half time. It was Messi with the finish and credits go to Alba for a beautiful upward sprint and the composure to find Leo in a tight situation.
Barcelona players looked calm and composed on the ball, sure with possession and the triangles positioning system that went missing in the Lucho era was spotted again. Credits to Valverde on making this lost Barcelona side look hungry and structured in a long while now.
The second half pretty much went the same way. The Barca players combined beautifully while their opposition cut frustrated figures. Suarez looked off colour as he missed quite a few chances created by Messi and co. Barca found their third as Messi completed his hattrick after a brilliant move between him, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba. At this particular juncture, 20-year-old wonderkid Ousmane Dembele first stepped on the Camp Nou pitch to the cheers of the crowd. Paulinho was brought into the fray as well and Andre Gomes made a late cameo.
Fan favourite Gerard Pique then made it 4-0 from a well worked corner. Dembele made his first contributions in the Blaugrana jersey as he assisted Suarez, who completed the manita (5-0 scoreline is affectionately called the manita in Catalunya) in the dying minutes of the match.
Barcelona fans will take extra comfort in the fact that Rakitic, playing more centrally was amazing on the night and that the fullbacks, Alba and Semedo were absolutely gorgeous on the ball. It was a wonderful game from the entire team and sitting atop the Liga table, the players and the manager can relax a little bit.
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