February 24, 2010
Spanish League- Barcelona Crushed Racing 4-0
By Stephen Lars
FC Barcelona beat Racing Santander 4-0 in the twenty-third round of the Spanish League.
During the game, which took place at Camp Nou, Barça, tromping on home territory, had no problems playing a comfortable game. And, thanks to the game plan implemented by coach Josep Guardiola, the team knew how to minimize the absence of some of its top players, including Xavi Hernandez, Dani Alves, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who are out due to injuries.
Guardiola kept the team level, placing Thierry Henry in Ibrahimovic’s stead. Henry, along with Lionel Messi and Bojan Krkic did an outstanding job up front. The Azulgrana coach reinforced his defense with Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez while Yaya Toure, Sergi Busquets, and Andres Iniesta took over the midfield.
Barcelona took control of the ball from the beginning. The locals pressed hard against their opponents, defending them strongly and taking away any chances to advance.
Unable to match the highly competitive level of Spain’s current champions, the Racing players could not develop their game. They stayed behind and played a very uncontrolled match against a rival who did nothing but display their inferiority.
Barcelona took advantage of Racing’s lack of offense and defensive gaps, quickly bringing the scoring in their favor.
Marquez passed the ball to Iniesta, who had no trouble scoring the first goal of the game at minute 7. The Racinguistas didn’t have a chance at stopping either player.
After the goal, the game’s destiny seemed clear. The locals continued launching attacks and sending direct shots to the goal, including Messi, who tested visiting goalkeeper Fabio Coltoti’s skills with a powerful shot that the netminder managed to clear. The Busquets tried to extend the score, but Coltorti shone with a great catch.
Henry took advantage of an opportunity gleaned through Racing’s confusion; the Frenchman sent the ball into the back of Racing’s net to make it 2-0 at minute 29.
At minute 34, Marquez came through to score yet another goal. With 3-0 from the Mexican defender, Barcelona was assured of victory.
Racing tried to attack, but its powerful opponents, close to scoring a fourth goal at the end of the first half, created an impenetrable wall.
Racing showed no improvement in the second half. Meanwhile, Barça was able to lower the intensity of the game without losing rhythm. The players began to rest, preparing for their next game against Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League.
Guardiola made several changes, replacing Yaya Toure with rookie Thiago Alcantara, who at minute 84 made his first goal in his debut with Barcelona.
Barça ended the game with a comfortable and effortless 4-0. The Azulgranas maintain leadership of the Spanish league with a total of 58 points, closely followed by Real Madrid, which increased its total to 56 points after a 6-2 victory against Villarreal.
About the Author
Stephen Lars has been a prominent writer on regular International Football games, sports news and the sportsbetting industry for many exceptional sports web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.