Tonight's matches:
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First result: 0-2
Well, a nearly perfect match from Barca in my eyes as they annihiliated Milan 4-0. (4-2 Agg.)
Match-analysis
Well, this match can be divided into some different key tactics used & different key moments.
1. Milan starting to defend deep right from the first second. In my pre-match analysis, I said that I don't think they'll do that at the start. I was wrong but still, I was right by thinking that if they do that, that'll be the wrong choice and I was 100% right on this. They did a great tactical set-up of how to deal with Barca in their first leg and Mou also gave a similar blueprint that was successful using both an A & B- Madrid Team. Yes, they opted for Chelsea/Inter's route but that route requires 2 things: Divine Intervention and Messi with Bad Luck!
2. Taking the opener so early in the match. I said that if that happens, whether they like it or not, they'll be force to park the bus then. And well, I didn't went wrong on that one. Taking a goal in first 5 minutes with such atmosphere, it breaks you psychologically and that what happened.
3. Messi upping his game. Not that it's a key event but this match's fate decides so much on the Argentine's magic and his 2 goals shows it. The 2 goals are wonderfully btw!
4. Barca using far-shots and using the wings a lot. This is a big change from their 'poor' first leg at San Siro where they kept their sterile possession in midfield, without making full use of the wings. This time, Alvez/Alba used the wings a lot and even guys like Iniesta/Villa/Messi/Pedro worked the wings a lot. Also, the far shot where Barca has created its best chances. Messi's 2 goals, Iniesta's saved-cum-bar shot, Xavi's low-powershot and more...
5. Disable the pressing of Milan's No.10. At San Siro, Xavi/Busquets were pressure a lot by Pizzarro. This time, Niang's pressure is largely ineffective to disrupt Barca's fluidity in passing. This is perhaps due to Pizarro being more suited to that role but also, because Mascherano & Iniesta & a full back came close towards their two playmakers whenever Niang exerted some pressure. Since Milan was defending deep, Barca players simply overpowered Niang/El Sharaawy's pressing by outnumbering them. A great tactic that many won't notice in my eyes.
6. Milan's poor fate of hitting the post. That's why I say that divine intervention is a key part in this 'Park-the-Bus' tactic. Missing golden opportunities like destroys that tactic on quite some levels. As players tortured psychologically by the defending and lack of possession, get another moral blow when they see the great chance they missed out. And Messi's quickfire shot that followed up, prove that point.
7. Pressing of Barca players. Well, this is a key part in Barca's philosophy and their play but something that was really absent at San Siro.
8. Milan reverting back to their first leg tactic in second half. Not that this was extremely influential but seemingly, they realized their mistake of parking the bus in first-half and probably overcome the psychological trauma of the 2-0 at half-time. They were then more interesting in their offensive moves.
9. Well, the masters of passing - Xavi/Iniesta/Busquets all being at the near-best once again like Messi.
10. No real refereeing controversy from what I saw.
Player-ratings-wise, I think I pretty much said it all for Barca's 4 key players. Kudos to Villa to scoring such a crucial goal after such tough times. Great match of Alba who scored but also blocked the best player at San Siro (Boateng) exceptionally. The rest did their job. Ambrosini had a poor match. All Milan's defenders suffered a lot; especially young K.Constant. El Shaarawy tried to shine vainly in first half and got extincted in second-half. Niang match is resumed with his missed chance. Robinho had lot of fiery in his belly but couldn't change the tide. The rest tried resisting and helping the team but what to do when you have so less possession and such a masterful performance from Barcelona players...
Can Milan have regrets in this match? Well, regrets of choosing the wrong option at the start of the match and regrets for Niang of missing the key chance which probably would have change the match & momentum. But otherwise, not much sad afterthoughts against such a big and highly professional performance from Barcelona.
I'd say that Barca can use both matches of Milan as references for future use. The match at San Siro contains all things that shouldn't be done in a match and the match of Camp Nou contains everything of what to done; namely high pressing of all Barca players, scoring at key instants, far shots, usage of wings, helping out the deep-lying playmakers & the stars like Messi/Xavi/Iniesta/Busquets playing at their best.
Does Barca playing consistently like this makes them invincible? Perhaps not as their defence still shows certain criminal lapses at times. But if they play all remaining CL matches like this, then forget the end of an era, they'll still remain as top-heavy favorites for the CL imo.
