Analyzing Lionel Messi's artistic goal against Real Sociedad

Defending Spanish League winners, Barcelona registered themselves a spot in the finals of the Copa Del Rey after they drew against Real Sociedad 1-1 ( 3-1 on aggregate) to set up a mouth watering clash against Real Madrid. In the process, Leo Messi, who has 11 goals and seven assists to his credit, equalised with the figure set by Athletic Bilbao’s Telmo Zarra, for scoring the most goals for a single Spanish club with 335 goals. Barca enjoyed an incredible 70 % ball possession and midfield maestro Xavi, played 61 passes in the first half which was much more than the passes managed by Sociedad squad.

Taking a comfortable lead from the first leg , the Catalans were never seriously put under pressure by the home side. Tata Martino’s side further extended their advantage after Messi executed a beautiful solo run from the midfield zone to evade the assiduity of five players from the edge of the box, before slotting the ball past Sociedad’s in-form goalkeeper Zubikarai, who got a touch on the ball but could not keep it out.Sociedad scored a late consolation goal in the 87 th minute after Gonzalo Castro‘s neat cross found Griezmann, who fired the ball past a helpless Pinto.

“There are three objectives this season, and we fulfilled one of them today,” – Tata Martino, Barcelona Manager.

Moving on to the analysis on Messi’s goal:

The Blaugrana adopted an uncharacteristic direct approach to their style of play in the first 30 minutes of the game. The home side was punished by the incredible Messi, when Jose Angel lost possession in midfield. The Argentine, as we can see is surrounded by 5 of Sociedad’s players, but the little man looked no further and advanced with the ball as the defenders closed in. Pedro who is on the wing, is along side Leo in case he gives away the ball to recover possession.

As Messi made his trademark run into the final third, Sociedad’s centreback’s Ansotegi and Mikel Gonazalez pressurised Messi by coming close to him to deny space. Pedro is left unmarked and there is void left (encircled) due to a defensive error. Sociedad player Gaztanaga ( circled) did not do any defensive help to the team as he watches his team mates struggling to stop Leo. Messi spotting the gap left by the defence, fired the ball in sublime fashion. Keeper Rubikazai had no option but to pick the ball from the back of the net.

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