Saturday 25 October 2014

Catalunya struggles as the catalyst for el clasico defeat (logical breakdown)

Barely some lingering minutes after the clasico classic that is suppose to settle all classics, new Barca boss Luis Enrique is going to have to explain to the disbeleiving world how a marauding machine like fcbarcelona, came not for the first time, to a grinding halt, against a Madrid team they are suppose to pick apart. The tone was set for a classic clasico for the blaugranas as they have their talismanic icon chasing a bernabeu ovation in hopes for equaling and thus effectively leading the most la Liga goal of all time, and also welcoming their summer acquisition Luis suarez from a biting ban and by so doing hoping to continue a decade-long tradition of clasico debutants scoring against Madrid. This fixture, unlike many others convey two sides with reversal identities, cultural heritage and nationalist beliefs. Barcelona is often seen as the pride of the catalunya community that has so bravely fought for independence from Spain. while we must not confuse football for politics, barca has in the recent past declared its utmost backing for the catalunya's Spanish break. Hence, punting this fixture to more of a nationalist movement than just a game of two hyper-eccentric sides looking to wow the world with best selling talents. Usually in games like this, team shape, players form, tactical tweaks, availability of auto-alternatives and ofcourse a keen eye for victory is usually the basic criteria for selecting the matchday team. Barcelona's matchday squad was; Bravo, Alves, Pique!, Masche, mathieu xavi!, busquets, iniesta, suarez, messi and neymar. Now looking at the matchday line-up would instantly bring something to mind, possessive control which is the basic barca plan. But a second look will toss you into a nationalist sight of things. Now how does struggle look without its usual emblem? Not so good i guess. The midfield trio of xavi-iniesta-busquets, would in earlier times bully and boss the game versus Madrid but not this time. Especially since the trio have been relegated to minimal cameo appearances this season and more importantly inconsistent together, especially in applying much needed intensity that Ivan brings. And a backline that looks more makeshift than the side that had yet to concede a singular goal in the league until today. Luis Enrique would pick this line up time and again especially to justify today's howler, but the upperhand lesson learnt must be, football scores are not gotten by countrymen pushing for independence and your opponents do not concede possession by applying political pressure.

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