Barcelona progress to the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 3-0 win at the Camp Nou tonight. The aggregate score came down to 4-1.
A goal in the opening minutes which have left viewers debating over the brilliance of Lionel Messi and the incompetence of Thibaut Courtois. The Argentine magician was clear on goal while hugging the baseline at the same time. With a lack of options, a shot was dispatched which cradled into the goal after going through Courtois’ legs. 1-0
Right after conceding, the visitors came back with venom to threaten the Barcelona goal but could not formulate any clear-cut chances.
Cesc Fabregas’ error in midfield allowed Messi to run at the Chelsea defence and eventually find Dembele at the edge of the penalty box who drilled in a thumping effort. 2-0
It was Marcos Alonso who had the best chances for Chelsea in the opening half. A quick range of passing found him with an open shot on goal. Unfortunately, it was hit straight at Ter Stegen and the free-kick was knocked off the woodwork.
The second half started off on a completely different not with Barcelona struggling to get out of their own half and Chelsea battering the opposition with constant attacks.
Talks of a penalty was immediately shut down by the referee when Alonso was brought down inside the penalty box by Pique.
While Chelsea had the upper hand, Barcelona were the clinical ones in front of goal. Messi killed off the game with a low driven shot which went through Courtois’ legs for the second time. 3-0 after 90 minutes.
Here is how the Barcelona players were rated on the night.
Andre Ter Stegen – 6/10
Put a strong hand to Alonso’s shot but otherwise wasn’t test a whole lot. He still had to stay sharp throughout the 90 minutes.
Sergi Roberto – 5/10
Was caught out of position on a few occasions and had a hard time while going up against Eden Hazard. Booked.
Gerard Pique – 6/10
Had a few uncomfortable moments at the back. Came flying across with a sliding challenge and blocked out Alonso’s open shot on goal.
Samuel Umtiti – 7/10
Cool and composed at the back. He was disciplined with his marking and did well to hold off the strong Olivier Giroud.
Jordi Alba – 7/10
Adventurous on the offensive end. He put in a decent shift to stop Victor Moses.
Sergio Busquets – 7/10
Calmness personified. He did his usual bit by controlling possession and winning balls at the heart of the park.
Andres Iniesta – 6/10
A brilliant back flick from the 33-year-old found Suarez open on goal but was otherwise
Lionel Messi – 10/10
An assist and 2 goals. A usual work day for the magician as he refused to take any hostages tonight. The disciplined Chelsea backline did not faze him one bit.
Ousmane Dembele – 7/10
Not the most clinical with possession but impressive nevertheless. He did the dutiful by providing width and even put in a solid shift on defence. Snatched the ball away from Alonso inside the penalty box with a brilliantly timed tackle.
Luis Suarez – 6/10
Might not be on the scoresheet but still a domineering presence on the pitch. His off the ball runs were far too much to handle.
Substitutes :
Paulinho – 5/10
Came on to enforce the defence and did just that.
Andre Gomes – NA
Alex Vidal – NA
