2 years ago
I'm still trying to catch my breath hours after the game ended! That was spectacular, with a capital M.
It was wonderful to hear the Camp Nou in full voice once more. As Barcelona stepped on the gas against the reigning La Liga champions, they rose as one time and time again.
This was not your typical Atletico Madrid performance under Diego Simeone. Something has gone horribly wrong at the Wanda Metropolitano in recent weeks.
That should not overshadow the brilliance of the team's or specific individuals' performances.
Of course, I'm referring to Adama Traore. Yes, the same Adama Traore I suggested wasn't worth the paper he signed.
My caveat is that this was only one game, but what a threat he was every time he touched the ball.
More specifically, there was a finished product.
He didn't record a single assist in his final 20 games for Wolves, but it only took him 21 minutes to deliver back at Barcelona. Please, more of the same.
Then there's Dani Alves.
Dani, Dani, Dani, you obstinate, beautiful bugger.
Jordi Alba provided a sublime assist to set up what will undoubtedly be Barcelona's goal of the season, followed by a superb first-time finish to make him the club's oldest ever goalscorer.
The expressions on everyone's faces said everything.
His red card was unfortunate, but I wouldn't hold that against him on a day where virtually everything went right for the Blaugranes.
Gavi, Pedri, Ronald Araujo, and Frenkie are all deserving of more than a passing mention in dispatches.
If there was one problem, it was clearly one that Xavi noticed as well: defensive positioning on occasion.
The back line could have been exposed on another day. The fact that they weren't says a lot about Gerard Pique's leadership. He has his detractors, but he remains the club's best defender.
He'll leapfrog Carles Puyol in his next appearance, and who would've guessed that when he used to play the clown to Puyol's straight man a decade or so ago?
Sunday was a day to be proud to be a Barcelona fan once more. Football has the amazing ability to make you feel like you're ten feet tall after a performance like that. Worries are for another day.
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