There was no stunning comeback this time.
Barcelona’s incredible heroics agains PSG all went in vain, as the Blaugrana limped out of the UEFA Champions League, defeated 3-0 by Juventus on aggregate. The Bianconeri turned in a stellar defensive display to limit Barcelona to a goalless draw, although the game was an absorbing contest to behold.
Here are 5 talking points from the game.
#1 Messi’s deep role is a waste of his talents
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29 goals in 26 games.
With statistics like these, why on earth does Luis Enrique still insist on playing Lionel Messi in a deep-lying role?
The Argentine maestro is at his devastating best when in the attacking areas of the pitch, but began the game in a recessed role in the centre. Any chance Barcelona had from this game rested on their ability to get an early goal, but Messi played the entirety of the first half occupying the middle of Juventus’ half.
He’s still a fantastic creator, but this simply served to negate players like Ivan Rakitic, with the Croat looking ineffective and clueless as to his job. Messi imbalanced Barcelona’s side in the first half, but once he moved a bit forward in the second half, Barcelona looked far more likely to score.
If Messi plays in the same role in El Clasico, Barcelona can kiss any chance they have of retaining La Liga goodbye.
#2 Juventus’ defence is the best in the world
Ahead of their incredible 6-1 comeback against PSG, Barcelona had a genuine belief in their pre-match statements of overturning a 4-0 deficit. The same statements were made ahead of this game, but they rang hollow. Juventus' all-conquering defence was the reason for that.
Barcelona are the top-scorers in all of Europe - they've scored a staggering 143 goals in all competitions so far. Yet, in 180 minutes of football against Juventus, Barcelona managed to score exactly none. At a time when 3-at-the-back is in vogue, Juve show exactly how great a 4-man defence can be, with Dani Alves, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Alex Sandro all having a stellar night.
Here’s a look at a few mind-boggling stats that Juventus’ backline have achieved:
#3 Luis Enrique’s last year could be trophyless
In his first two seasons at the club, Luis Enrique won a staggering 8 trophies in charge of Barcelona. Yet, the nagging question always remained that it was a product of the stellar players he had at his disposal, rather than any great tactical nous on his part.
That impression has only been reinforced this season – as his players misfire, Enrique has looked bereft of answers. The 3-4-3 formation worked for a bit, but has been figured out, with Barcelona now struggling to earn any sort of decisive results with it. El Clasico is coming up, but Real Madrid could still conceivably win La Liga even if they lose the derby.
That leaves only the Copa del Rey for Barcelona, but going by how they have faltered at various crunch moments this season (bar PSG), Deportivo Alaves could spring a shock for the ages. They’ve already defeated Barcelona this year, and know how to trouble Luis Enrique’s side – which increasingly looks the worst Blaugrana side in the last decade, in terms of balance and game-management.
#4 Gigi Buffon could finally get his UCL medal
9 time Serie A champion, 3 Coppa Italia trophies and 1 UEFA Cup – there’s a very obvious gap in Gianluigi Buffon’s glittering CV. At the age of 39, in what has been possibly the best goalkeeping career the world has witnessed, the Italian simply has to win the UEFA Champions League at least once.
He looks more determined than ever – the save against Iniesta in the first leg came at a pivotal moment, one that ought to be remembered for a long time. Buffon kept up his steely determination in the second leg, pulling off a great reaction save from a free-kick that narrowly evaded Mascherano, requiring him to change his body’s direction in a split-second.
Juventus are 180 minutes away from making the final, and the Italian legend deserves his UEFA Champions League medal.
#5 Barcelona left their shooting boots at home
For a side that prides itself on scoring goals, Barcelona were uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal tonight. Despite Juventus putting in a stellar defensive performance, Barcelona still managed to create 15 chances, and had 13 shots on goal.
The amount of shots on target? One.
For a side of Barcelona’s calibre to have a single shot on target, while chasing a 3-0 deficit is not just bad, it’s shameful. This isn’t skill, this isn’t even about desire – Barcelona snatched at their efforts all night long, revealing that they did wilt under the pressure. Even the great Leo Messi wasn’t immune – he spurned chances he would normally bury.
Barca have some soul-searching to do before El Clasico, in addition to shooting drills.
