FC Copenhagen vs. FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League– Full Time Report (Part 1)
The second half started with no changes coming from any of the sides as both the coaches thought that the game was going well for their side; however, it was the Catalan coach Josep Pep Guardiola who decided to change things round
a bit as he called Daniel Alves back to his favourite full back position on the right flank as a traditional 4-3-3 was being played by Barcelona.
With Daniel Alves back at his position, Andres Iniesta featured as a left winger with Lionel Messi on the right and David Villa was playing as a centre forward for the Spanish side. Xavi Hernandez played a more attacking role in
the midfield while Seydou Keita played as a central midfielder. Sergio Busquets was still playing in his favourite holding midfield position.
On the other hand, there weren’t any changes in the tactics of the home side FC Copenhagen as they only decided to attack while taking the advantage of the home ground and home crowd. As the crowd was putting pressure on the visitors,
it was Gerard Pique who gave away an early free kick in the second half to allow the opponents a shot on goal. However, the free kick taken by Claudemir de Souza did not really find anyone inside the 18 yard box and the ball went out of play.
In the 49th minute, a back pass by Xavi Hernandez to Keita was not very well taken and with William Kvist getting the ball near the Barcelona danger zone, Sergio Busquets decided to sacrifice a booking as he brought
the player down to earn a yellow card thus avoiding damage to his side.
The free kick taken by Oscar Wendt did not really find anyone inside the box as he was aiming for Jesper Gronkjaer and it was Eric Abidal who simply cleared the ball to avoid any threats that the Danish side were trying to put
on the Spaniards.
In the 58th minute, a ball from Gerard Pique found Andres Iniesta on the left flank and as the World Cup winning goal scorer cut past two defenders inside the 18 yard box, he blasted the ball into the net but Johan Wiland
was there to save his team. Lionel Messi took a bump on the Danish goalkeeper and even though the ball went out for a corner, a free kick was given to FC Copenhagen.
In the 60th minute, a wonderful ball played by Xavi Hernandez towards Daniel Alves found the Brazilian alone inside the penalty area; however, David Villa was there to help him but a late touch by the Spanish striker
could only find Lionel Messi outside the 18 yard box. Even though Messi did not find a way past the bunch of defenders surrounding him, he still flicked the ball towards Andres Iniesta who found Keita on his left. Seydou Keita decided to go solo and shot the
ball towards the goal but the former Sevilla midfielder could not really find the right spot and shot the ball wide.
A major chance came for the home side during the 70th minute. It was Gronkjaer who got the ball on the right wing and got past Eric Abidal as he crossed the ball into the box. Martin Vingaard found himself alone in front
of goal but shot the ball out wide as a wonderful opportunity was wasted by the Danish Champions.
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