Man of the Match 13/14 edition

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Catorce

Catorce

Cruijff's Heir
1. Valdes
2. Alba
3. Busquets

So few people mentioning Alba, wasn't expecting that. For me, together with Valdes the standout player.
 
barcanuck

barcanuck

New member
1. Pique - very solid on the back end didn't put a foot wrong today.

2. Masche - last ditch tackles were on point today. Crunched Costa a few times.

3. Messi - played only a half but had a glorious header just wide and a nice shot saved by Cortuios.
 
BerkeleyBernie

BerkeleyBernie

Senior Member
As expected, an excellent defensive battle by both sides, and a fair result. Perhaps not expected was the intensity with which Barça defended. Knowing Atletico never let up, they matched them with a complete group effort. Well done.

1. Pique - didn't give Costa any room.
2. Masch - right there with Pique, snuffing out attacks before they could build.
3. Pedro - most dangerous offensive player on the pitch. If a goal was going to come, it was going to involve Pedro.

HMs
Xavi - played his role well, as usual
Messi - had one good low shot in the box, well saved by Courtois
Iniesta - took a beating, but good work in the midfield battle
Valdes - took care of business when he had to

Most likely to give up a Atletico goal:
Busquets - when his confidence becomes arrogance, he's a liability. Gave up the ball twice in the first ten minutes being too casual. It took awhile for Barça to adjust to the Atletico pressure. Several players were guilty of letting a pass run into Atletico traffic, rather than quickly gathering the ball before advancing.

Other notes:
Thought the game was fairly well refereed, and both sides played intensely but respectfully.
A bit disappointed in Messi's off-ball movement. Had he made himself more available, he might have had more of an impact.
 
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