blueboy94

Should probably state what I mean by 'the End'. I don't mean that in a few years time Barcelona will slip into footballing obscurity or even show parallels with what happened to Arsenal from 2005 onwards. What I mean is, in comparison with 'the greatest team in the world and possibly all time' tag (that, in my opinion, has been well earned over the past few seasons) they have declined in performance this season. The decline means that the aura of invincibility that the media and opposition teams see may be coming to an end. I've got no doubt that with the players they have they'll still be a strong force in the Champions League, but as teams figure out how to limit the chances they get in open play and with the increasing strength of yer Bayern Munich's, yer Real Madrid's and yer Man Utd's, I see Barcelona's chances of winning the competition getting shorter and shorter.

I'm going to bed now, I expect this to be answered when I get up tomorrow. 3 times I've asked. Three.

The thing with Messi is that the position he plays works against the lesser teams, roaming between midfield and attack to be equally effective in a creating role as well as getting into goal scoring positions. A well organised defensive team really limits what he can do. Tonight for example, a soild back four with two defensive mids in front of them, and for the Barca system to work, Messi must somehow find space in dangerous areas. On top of this, the congestion in the midfield from Barcelona players basically nullifies anything Messi can do. I think in these types of situations he'd be more effective on the right. He may not get into goal scoring positions but he'll see a lot more of the ball. Also, I've noticed in games where he hasn't had much of an influence, the times he does get the ball he tries to do to much. Taking on an extra man instead of playing the simple pass, often losing the ball, creating a sort of chicken and egg cycle.

After recent results, is it unreasonable to assume that the Barcelona may not be the (as often hailed) 'Best team in the World?' The last few seasons I've really enjoyed watching them play, intricate passing and moving to play through defensive lines to win in style. I'd say between 2009-2012, this worked brilliantly. With two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles they were the team to beat. Indeed, since 2008, the Champions League winners (if not Barcelona) have been the team that knocked them out. Recently though, well, it's just not the same is it? In the big games (Chelsea, AC Milan, Madrid on numerous occasions) the 'tiki-tika' philosophy isn't fooling teams anymore. Even minor teams with a well organised defence can get a result against them. A well drilled team can force Messi to drop absurdly deep to see the ball, a full back concentrating won't be beaten by Pedro and then there's the problem of width. Vilanova (and Roura) prefer to have a combination of Iniesta and Fabregas on the left which makes the midfield far to congested to do anything with the ball. The solution would be to play Sanchez but on recent form, the less said about him the better. At the back, Pique isn't the defender he was a few years ago and Puyol is not getting any younger. It's something ridiculous like 10 games in a row without a clean sheet. I don't think they'll get past Milan next week in the Champions League. Capable of scoring for sure, but they'll need to score at least 4 goals to go through once Milan get an away goal. A lot of credit must go to Mourinho for showing the world how to play against them. Ever since the humiliating 5-0 a few seasons ago, the tactics have been updated and the results have improved with this. Then tonight was a culmination of everything he's worked on over the last 3 seasons. So, is it the beginning of an end of an era for Barcelona, or does anyone think they still have the quality to play and win in style? P.S Does anyone think that Jordi Alba looks like a young Ben Affleck? I asked in the other thread but no one responded.

Does anyone else think Jordi Alba looks like a young Ben Affleck? Just noticed it just now. This is worthy of comment.

I'd love to hear what King Jela and Derek make of this. Should be an interesting debate.

Just one more cross Fraser, one more cross....:'(

But...so close, just a few seconds...... AHAHAAHA

Aaahahahahahaha

You worded that terribly. Sort it out.

How is this judged?

His second goal tonight was Dennis Bergkamp quality.

EUROPE!!!!!!!!!!1

Shut these cunts up

Oh fuckkkk.

Woods goes 1 up...

Miles wide!!!

Europe only need to win one of these matches to retain the Ryder Cup? Is that right?

13 all, jesus.

One shit shot could decide this....

Ohhh Strickers done the same!

Good shot Molinari

Kaymer's fucking this up.

Yeeess Jim!!!