Barcelona would need a miracle to qualify to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League as they have received the beating of their lives in the hands of PSG.
Birthday boy, Angel Di maria and his PSG gang totally destroyed Barcelona at the Parc Des Princes in the first leg of round 16 of the Champions League by 4-0.
Barcelona had a bad day on a wrong occasion as two goals from Di maria, and one each from both Cavani and Draxler has given them a mountain to climb in the return leg of the match if they are to qualify to the next stage.
Things We Learnt From the Match
1. Di Maria Gets a good birthday gift : Di maria turned 29 today, and Barcelona gave him the best birthday gift ever, on a Valentine's day. Barca truly shared love today as Di maria put in an Outstanding display by getting a brace. One free kick, and another stunner in the 55th minute.
2. Barcelona's Midfield Finally Exposed : in a game in which the Barcelona team as a unit had an off day, the midfield area was totally exposed and dominated. One man that will not want to watch the replay of this game is Andre Gomes who was off point through out the game. Barca need to get quality players in middle of the park very fast. The midfield players didn't provide any cover for the defence which in turn exposed them badly.
3. Without MSN Barcelona are Nothing : where was Messi, Suarez, and Neymar ? Ok I remember they were totally outclassed by the defence of PSG. MSN was stopped and Barcelona too. Over dependence on the trio upfront cost them this game.
4. Unai Emery Targeted the Weak Point :
Unai really showed the great tactician he is by using Barcelona's weak point o destroy them. Which is the right back. With Vidal out of the season, Sergio Roberto played in the position but he was totally exposed by draxler and Di maria who were the focal point of PSG attack. To make the matter worst for Roberto, Andre Gomes didn't provide any cover which in turn exposed the defence.
5. Draxler is Back : for the German golden boy who had a disastrous time at Wolfsburg, and was later snubbed by Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Madrid made this win and his performance more interestingly sweet.
With his pace, run, incisive play he really showed those teams what they are missing right now, especially, Arsenal.
6. Barcelona Lacks In depth quality and Strength : when Barcelona were 2-0 down, you then look at their bench and ask yourself who can change this game ? As compared to PSG who were strong both on the pitch and on the bench.
Barcelona needs more signings
7. Luis Enrique Got It all wrong : why didn't Rakitic start the game, what was Andre Gomes doing in the starting line up ? Enrique's rotation lets him down once more. Maybe it's time for new ideas at Camp Nou because Luis is getting it all wrong at the moment.
Happy Valentine's Day
Amazing stuff!
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