Deportivo de La Coruna 0-8 Barcelona: 5 Talking points

Defensive fortress

Dani Alves made a number of overlapping forward runs in the game

Even without their main centre-back Gerard Pique, Barcelona’s defense looked impermeable on the eve. Full-backs Jordi Alba and Dani Alves made overlapping forward runs, expanding options in attack for the team. But at the same time, they showed great defensive awareness as they tracked back and made a set of crucial tackles and interceptions, keeping the pressure on the Branquiazuis.

Deportivo had a couple of opportunities of their own right after they conceded the first goal, but the Galician side’s Costa Rican midfielder Celso Borges made a mess out of both the chances, leaving his teammates fuming with frustration.

Apart from the two chances that Deportivo created in the beginning of the game, Barcelona’s line of defense looked rock solid with none of the home side’s players creating any real problems for Claudio Bravo.