Football Update: Barcelona vs. Levante – Match Review (Part 4)
In the midfield, Josep Guardiola decided to play http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Mascherano-c18071, who
played right behind Xavi Hernandez to assist the team with defensive and offensive abilities. It was Andres Iniesta who featured as an attacking midfielder. The Spaniard was usually seen making runs forward from the left flank as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Villa-c10629 fell back to join
his team-mates in the midfield to cover for Andres Iniesta.
With a three-man midfield, Barcelona had an option to play three up front. The very much in-form youngster, Pedro Rodriguez played on the right flank. On the left flank, it was David Villa, who fell back to join the midfield and also played as a centre forward
whenever the team decided to cross the ball into the 18-yard box. The young Spaniard http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bojan-Krkic-c7794 played as a centre forward and helped the team in scoring goals. However, Bojan was having an off-night and he just could not produce what was expected from him.
The youngster was usually seen being offside or he was left outnumbered in the opposition’s half. He just could not cope with the pressure and the speed of the game that was controlled by the midfield maestros of the Spanish Champions.
Levante’s goalkeeper, Reina had a lot to do in the first half. There were many shots on goal but he picked each and everyone out easily to help his team tie the home side with a goalless draw. However, the Catalans were not done just yet. With the second
half starting, Reina was to expect bombardments from the oppositions’ side. However, Levante made sure that they block the midfield and they did. Later, Luis Garcia’s ultra-defensive game plan was worn down by the visitors and they decided to play fluidly
in the midfield rather than blocking themselves with the Catalan midfielders.
Levante occasionally made great attacks as they were playing counter attacking football. Usually their attacks would find a traditional winger on the right flank and the left flank and both would play hopeful crosses in the 18 yard box. With Barcelona having
centre backs with good aerial ability, the visitors could not deliver the killer ball inside the 18 yard box as it always found the head of either http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Busquets-c33048 or Eric Abidal.
Tags: