Racing vs. Barcelona – Half time analysis
The match kicked off at Racing's home ground by total Barcelona dominance. They started the game with their "usual" passing. The team did not really miss their former Swede striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as they started with their "best 11."
The three strikers that Barcelona played were Lionel Messi, David Villa and Andres Iniesta; who was now taking charge as a left winger for the Spanish club. The match started with a blow to Racing right in the second minute. A wonderful ball from Xavi was well taken by the quick and well paced Lionel Messi. A wonderful chip shot from his weaker right foot was enough to score a goal as Barcelona took first blood. It was Barcelona's first attack in the Spanish La Liga and they managed to score a goal.
Racing, on the other hand were playing their full team as they were hosting the current Spanish Champions however, they did not really help themselves against the mighty Barcelona side. The Spanish champions were toying with the Spanish underdogs' defence and midfield as they were involved in fabulous one touch passing. Soon, Racing won a free kick right outside the box as Gerrard Pique was the one who fouled and awarded the 16th ranked Spanish team with a free kick. The free kick struck the wall but the deflected shot was well taken and almost went inside but it was Victor Valdes who was able to block the shot.
Later, Messi was blocked with 4 defenders right in front of him but he was able to give a wonderful through ball to David Villa, who could not reach the ball on time and it was the goalkeeper who got his "safe hands" to it. Barcelona became a threat to Racing's defensive wall again in the 27th minute as Messi won the ball deep into the opponent's half and tried to go solo but could not find the net.
The football drama took new heights in the 29th minute when Andres Iniesta was fouled by Francais. Many thought it was a red card but he was just awarded with a yellow. On the other hand, the free kick was taken quickly and Lionel Messi was found stepping on the Goalkeeper's foot, but the referee did not take action against him.
During the 32nd minute, Iniesta showed that he was missed last season as he scored a wonderful goal from a chip shot which he took from right outside the box while the goalkeeper moved forward to take care of David Villa who was being a threat from the left flank.
In the 35th minute, Racing got a chance to take the first step towards a "comeback" as a dive from the right winger was waved as a penalty. Victor Valdes was the man who saved the day for the Spanish Champions as he made an extraordinary save. Later in the 37th minute, Lionel Messi gave a wonderful pass to Gerrard Pique; then playing as a right back for the club. He took a beautiful cross which was heading right towards David Villa but it was well defended and was given as a corner.
Later, it was Lionel Messi again for the Spanish giants who, was becoming a constant threat for Racing's defensive walls. He made a good move forward from the right flank and tried his trade mark "curling" shot but did not really manage to find the net. In the 43rd minute of the match, Dani Alves almost suffered an injury and was given medical treatment. The ball was given back to the opposing side and they made good use of it in the 44th minute when they passed their way to the 18 yard box and Munitez found the ball at his stronger right foot and took a good shot at goal, which went off target.
Two minutes were added to the first half as Barcelona were the ones who were still leading with a two goal margin. A satisfied Pep Guardiola after the first half, especially when he would be surrounded with "bad" thoughts of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and of course Barcelona's current rivals, Real Madrid; who are now a threat to the Catalan Giants' title "hat trick."
There was some last minute action as Xavi gave a wonderful through ball to the new signing David Villa, who managed to score but was later waved offside and left the field with a disappointed face as he thought he had scored.
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