Review: The Catalan Derby - FC Barcelona vs. Espanyol

steemsports (80)in #steemsports • 8 years ago

SteemSports Presenter: @mindfreak

SteemSports Editor: @writingamigo

The brilliant Barcelona is back with 5-0 win over the city rivals and what a delightful football game it was if you are a Barcelona fan. The Valverde's side showed their intentions from the first minute, and they have outclassed each player of Espanyol.

It was Ousmane Dembele's debut for Barcelona as he bagged an assist which was converted by Luis Suarez. Lionel Messi's brilliant hat-trick and Pique's goal put Barca in top position with 3 games played in La Liga.

First Half

The Barcelona showed their intention from the very first minute as they are not holding back against any criticism the team has faced and have shown brilliant pass and move play across the pitch. Even though Espanyol was poised and very organized in formation, they were slightly unlucky with Messi's first goal as it was offside but not given by linesman. That goal changed the mood of the game. Barca got charged, and every player in team proved why Barca is one of the best teams in Europe. Lionel Messi got the second goal for Barca with a brilliant effort from Jordi Alba to put in front of him, which he slides in past Lopez. The Espanyol had the real chance of scoring in the first half, but the shot of Piatti hit the wood work.

Messi's goals in the 26th and 35th minute makes the difference for Barca in the first half.

Second Half

The Confident Barcelona side dominating the possession showed different tactics under Valverde's. They were pressing higher when the ball was not in their possession they were quick with the passes all across the pitch. It was Vintage Barca. It was Pep Guardiola's Barca like gameplay. In the 67th minute of the game, Messi scored another one and completed his hat trick - just another day in the life of Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi is now the highest goal scorer with 16 goals in Catalan Derby. Although the match was in full control of Barca, there were some decent attacks and good plays from Espanyol side as well as they have put Ter Stegen to a test quite a few times. Gerard Pique scored a goal against Espanyol. He loves scoring the goals against this team, and his celebration showed that. Dembele made his debut in last 20 minutes of the match, and he already provided an assist and won the hearts of Barcelona fans.

Full backs Semedo and Jordi Alba had a dream game today. Rakitic, Iniesta, and Busquets gave a solid performance in midfield and Gerard Deulofeu did a hard work all across the pitch. Lionel Messi proved again why he is the best player in the world. It was delightful to watch Barcelona before their Champion League start with Juventus.