http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 faced Benfica in the UEFA Champions League last night and Tito Vilanova fielded an inexperienced Barcelona team which did not live up to its expectations.
Barcelona played against the Portuguese giants, Benfica, during the midweek and since La Blaugrana had already qualified for the next round of the prestigious tournament even before the game, Tito Vilanova decided to field a second string side in order to
give rest to his regular players and also to give experience to the younger players.
The Catalan giants managed to finish the game in a goalless draw and many thought that the young players were not able to live up to their expectations as the match finished off at the Nou Camp.
However, the fact that Barcelona did not perform up to their standards came under the shadow of Lionel Messi’s injury, which he picked up during the game against Benfica.
The Argentinean star came on the pitch during the second half and while many thought that he will finally break the record of scoring the highest number of goals in a single year, Messi was seen getting injured and was stretchered off.
When Tito Vilanova was quizzed about Lionel Messi’s injury and how his decision of bringing him on during an insignificant game was not really a good one, he backed his own decision and stated that if he was given the chance to make this change again, he
would do it as injuries are a part of the game.
Moreover, he was also quizzed about the youngsters who could not live up to their expectations as the match against Benfica finished in a goalless draw.
While speaking about what was the idea behind fielding them on the night, Vilanova said:
“We had to see how they reacted. You have to put these players in there, to see how they react at Camp Nou.”
Barcelona are currently leading the Spanish La Liga table and have also qualified for the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League as they have topped their respective group.
La Blaugrana’s first position allows them to play any non-Spanish side second-placed Champions League team from any other group.
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