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

[sageharper.livejournal.com]

Hmm can't really remember that one, there's always debate but then it's done now.

Totally. Can't even work out what you could say or why.
He so should, there should be a benevolent fund. Aww it so would, the bromance cuteness would almost be too true. Right when we're in the market for a keeper no less.

[flywoman.livejournal.com]

IKR???? We need a world-class keeper, so... If Mou doesn't get booted, Iker should seriously consider it. Would be just like the Spain NT minus Ramos and Arbeloa (and since Arbeloa broke his wrist, probably just as well).

[sageharper.livejournal.com]

Exactly, I know he's being loyal and that's sweet but you don't get playing time for being nice. He'd fit right in and be happy.
True that, mind you we need another defender too so maybe we could get Ramos to on a two for one.

I want Xabi to leave too, and go back to Liverpool. He was so good, and 'Gerrlonso the reunion tour' needs to happen.

[flywoman.livejournal.com]

YES, he should also bring Ramos with him. Then Mou can stay at Madrid and I will feel much less conflicted.

[sageharper.livejournal.com]

Exactly, as Sese & Geri teamed up ever so well at the euros.
Me too. :)

I totally just wrote some suitably cathartic fic on the general subject, and feel a lot better now.