Barcelona versus Real Madrid – Second half review: UEFA Champions League (Part 2)
Emmanuel Adebayor’s introduction for Real Madrid, after Pedro Rodriguez’s goal for Barcelona, in the 54th minute was aimed at giving the away side different options up front.
Higuain’s movement did cause some concern for Barcelona throughout his time on the field but due to the home side’s susceptibility to aerial balls, Adebayor was brought on to provide a more aerial threat.
In the 58th minute, Lassana Diarra was booked by the referee for a hefty challenge on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Busquets-c33048. The replays showed that the former Arsenal man took the ball with his tackle but the over-reaction by Busquets forced the referee’s hand in
the end.
In the 60th minute, Real Madrid made another change as Ricardo Kaka was replaced by Mesut Ozil. The Brazilian playmaker was anonymous on the night as he was hardly given an opportunity to impose himself in the tie as a whole by Barcelona’s midfield
three who rarely gave away the ball under pressure.
In the 63rd minute, Real Madrid pulled a goal back thanks to some brilliant wing play from Angel Di Maria.
The Argentinean winger cut inside Daniel Alves before firing off a powerful shot at Victor Valdes’ goal. Fortunately for Real Madrid the ball hit the post but then came out straight to Di Maria again. This time the former Benfica player found Marcelo with
a square pass who made no mistake in firing the ball past Valdes in Barcelona’s goal.
With the score line at 1-1, Real Madrid became more ambitious in their approach as Barcelona tried to keep their heads with their patient passing display.
This strategy annoyed and frustrated Real Madrid as in the 68th minute, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 near the half way line.
In the 73rd minute, Barcelona made their first change of the night as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Seydou-Keita-c33177.
In the 75th minute, Marcelo went into the referee’s book for a late tackle on Lionel Messi near the touch line for Real Madrid.
It was a dangerous challenge by the Brazilian full back which prompted a heavy rain of abuse from Barcelona’s supporters inside Nou Camp.
Despite a late offensive surge from Real Madrid, Barcelona expertly hung on to claim a 1-1 draw on the night and a 3-1 victory on aggregate against the mighty Real Madrid.
It was a spectacular display of possession football from the home side that looked comfortable throughout the tie.
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