A good start for Barcelona

                                                          

BY MOHAU RAMASHIDJA

It was a clash of the titans in pursuit of securing a spot in the UEFA champions’ league finals. The renowned Spanish rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid was displayed in the field of play for the world to witness.

It was a battle of blood and sweat for both teams and the referee had to flash out some yellows and red cards to calm things down. As the battle waged on, Barca showed organization in attack but Madrid was solid enough to disappoint their several attempts. Every loophole in defense was crucial for both sides to manipulate. And it was Pepe who header was denied by Barca’s keeper in the 34^th minute.

Aggression and dangerous foul play was the theme of the match. And it was Arbeloa for Madrid and Dani Alves for Barca who found themselves in referee’s bookings.

C.Ronaldo, known for his tremendous shots and mindboggling dribbling skills was rarely noticed in the cause of the match.

After the first half Madrid made their first substitution in the striking force and it was Ozil who made way for Adebayor. But that did not stop Barca to continue playing their organized football. With Barcelona Dominating 71% of ball possession in the 48^th minute, Madrid had a visible work load to deal with.

Players from both sides were adamant to being reciprocal when coming to dangerous foul plays. From Barcelona’ Mascherano’s caution to Madrid’s Pepe’s red card.

In the 60^th minute Madrid’s coach Jose Morenio was set off to the crowd after he had insulted the forth official. As the match progressed both teams struggled to find loopholes in search for goal and as a result Barca made few changes in their mid-field.  

Determined to deliver what he was summoned for Alfellay caused problems for Madrid’s defense and managed to slip in a spectacular cross to Messi who had no problem to secure a lead for Barca.

Madrid’s defense was now on a quest to finding “Nemo” Messi. Like a hot knife through butter, Messi slipped through the hard bars of Madrid’s defense to score his record breaking 52^nd goal of the tournament.

Match ended at 2-0 for Barca.