FC Barcelona vs. Levante UD, 1-0

[flywoman]

With Messi and Busquets still recovering from recent injuries and Xavi starting on the bench in anticipation of Tuesday's Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich, this was not exactly the most scintillating of encounters. Levante really parked the bus in front of their goal, and despite having 80% possession, Barcelona were not able to get past it for most of the match. Iniesta seemed not quite himself, frequently losing the ball, Fabregas was practically a nonentity, and Villa became visibly more frustrated as the match wore on. Our best chance came when Iniesta tripped over a defender's leg on the goal line and was awarded a dubious penalty, but unfortunately the Levante keeper guessed correctly and blocked Villa's shot, and then Fabregas completely flubbed the rebound. Later we should have gotten a penalty for a blatant handball in the box, and again when Villa was pulled away while attempting to receive the ball, but those weren't given.

In the second half, Xavi replaced Iniesta, followed by Pedro for Thiago and Alexis for Tello. Pedro had one very good chance, but the Levante keeper leaped up to make an excellent save. But I have to say that Alexis made a difference as soon as he came on, not because Tello had played badly, but because he was so sharp on the ball that I just knew good things were about to happen. Sure enough, it only took Alexis a few minutes to beat his marker and send a perfect cross into the box for Fabregas, who fortunately took just a couple of touches before slamming it past the keeper. With the summer transfer window looming, Alexis is clearly eager to demonstrate his worth to the team, and he and Fabregas have in fact teamed up to good effect several times in the second half of the season.

Man of the Match, though, was definitely Eric Abidal, who played a full ninety minutes in central defense and created a sense of calm and order that had been much missed of late. Not that our defense was perfect today - Victor Valdes, finally back from his four match ban, was left with classic wtf? face at least once - but it was much better than some of the other options we've tried.

Comments

[flywoman.livejournal.com]

It will be one more match (at least) to tie up the league.

And Christ, what a brute. I can't believe that some people think he would be a good forward for Barca.

[sageharper.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's all on the news here obviously. Just can't begin to understand it, that's just so senseless and blatant. So embarrassed for the whole EPL. The fact he has done it before, they will have to be tough on it then.

He wouldn't have a chance with Barca. Talent matters sure, but with the ethos of the club you need good character too.

[flywoman.livejournal.com]

As it's the second time, they had better be harsh.

Yes, exactly, they would never bring someone with a reputation like that. Maybe he should keep Pepe company at Real ;).

[sageharper.livejournal.com]

True, will have to see how it pans out.

Yeah he'd right in there.