I think the score flatters Barcelona. Apparently the xG was 1.5-5 and the second Barca goal was a bit controversial. If I’m Kompany I’m not necessarily changing a ton.
Drubbing
Thanks.
No matter if it was a rubbing, drubbing or rubbishing, I’m still optimistic that Bayern and Dortmund will make it to the knock-outs, and maybe meet the Spanish teams again. It’s a bit of a pity that in this new system they have no opportunity for a revenge in a direct return match.
Football lasts forever, no need to hurry.
What’s this now? Aston Villa sits atop the table in the Champions League group stage?
I’m sure it’s a result of the vagaries of the schedule but that is still fantastic and hilarious to see.
Plus one not-exactly-right-in-the-head goalkeeper…
Villa have improved massively in the last couple of years under Emery; I’m not that shocked, although them beating Bayern was an eye-opener.
El Clasico’s beginnings feel a lot like Barca v Bayern in that I’m sure the opponent is going to end up scoring 3-4 times. Playing a high line against Mbappe and Vini seems insane to me, and it’s nearly burned Barca multiple times already, but still 0-0.
Also, I hate Vini with the passion of 900 suns. Diving (while fouling the defender) and whining and asking for cards. Perfect heir for a Real winger.
It’s always amazing/enraging when an incredibly talented player also feels the urge to roll around and writhe in pain at the slightest contact.
I think it’s very situation and attitude dependent too though.
Neymar was very theatrical, but a lot of it was him protecting himself because he was too good, too frail, and got fouled 11 times a game. I understand people being annoyed, but I also understood why he did it.
The foul that annoyed me here was just Vini and Cubarsi going for a 50/50 ball with Vini’s arms wrapped around Cubarsi, drawing him in, then crumpling from the bog standard defender contact. That’s not protection, that’s just cynical / cheating along with the “can you believe he did that shit to me!?” reaction is just chefs kiss of pissing me off.
Lewa with ice in his veins. In alone and he takes the shot from 20 yards, just tucking it into the corner.
eta: Again!
So. Still pretty unhappy about the way Bayern played, but oh man is Barca back.
If only Bayern had a trainer like Hansi Flick!
I guess it is paywalled and the FAZ does not seem to have gift links (or I can’t find them), but if you can read it this article might make you laugh:
I admt it would be a pleasure to interpret Mr. Flick. Very unlikely, but still, one can hope: at least I have the right languages!
ETA: I also find it charming that the Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia calls this Barça the “Dream Teen”.
Unfortunately it was indeed paywalled, but I was at least able to read the preview above, so I got the gist, if not the underlying explanation.
Speaking of Vini being a whiny baby, Rodri wins the ballon d’or and all the Madrid players boycott the ceremony because they thought he was entitled to it.
Man City were up 3-0 with 15 minutes to go at the Etihad, and conceded three to Feyenoord.
They are just falling apart!
Sign new managerial contract extension, fall flat on face.
Barça just won 3:0 against Brest, the surprise team so far in this CL edition, and are now equal on points (12) with Liverpool, who is playing tomorrow. Barça supporters are hoping Liverpool ends this round with three points more than Barça.
Why?
Because they play Real Madrid.
Thoughts and prayers etc…