FC Barcelona vs Real Valladolid Match Time Big chance to close the gap to Atletico to 1 pt and hold our destiny in La Liga in our own hands. Roberto is back to full fitness and no injuries from international break. Extra day of rest should help for the players who played in the midweek. Messi should be fresh. Valladolid have 5 players out due to COVID. Not sure if they are starters. No excuses. Should be 3 pts. Still out : Coutinho, Fati, Pique
Messi and de Jong on 4 yellows, will be interesting to see if either is rested (with a big game looming), de Jong is younger but just played the internationals and may be more likely to need to put in a cynical 'professional' foul which could draw a yellow. Honestly, I think we will see both starting but de Jong pulled sooner than later if we get a nice lead. Too bad Pique had a little set back injury wise, but hopefully Araujo and Lenglet can start next to Migueza, behind Dest, Alba, and Busi. Then Pedri, de Jong (unless held out), Messi, finally Griez and Dembele: MAtS Mingueza-Araujo-Lenglet Dest-------------Busi-------------Alba de Jong----------Pedri Messi Griezmann-----Dembele
I don't think Messi should be rested. Him getting a YC is completely avoidable since he doesn't have to defend. I could see giving FdJ a break though.
Neither is rested: But with no Araujo or Pique or Umtiti as the third CB, that means we either play FdJ there, or we play a 4-3-3. So I think it is FdJ back there to the great chagrin of some: 5-3-2 or 3-3-2-2 MAtS Mingueza-de Jong-Lenglet Dest-------------Busi-------------Alba Messi--------Pedri Griezmann-------Dembele Here's 4-3-3 with FDJ in midfield: MAtS Dest-Mingueza-Lenglet-Alba de Jong-Busi-Pedri Griezmann-Messi-Dembele
Anyone still bothered by being happy when Benzema scored that equalizer against Atletico? Starting to look as if LPB are our main challengers. In any case, this week we will find out if that Benzema goal helped turn the title race in our favor or LPB's.
Another useless ref Messi has been fouled badly twice and AG just got elbowed in the jaw .. red card Not even blowing for fouls !!!
The backheel there from Dembele wasn't bad ... good coverage from 2 Valladolid defenders . But damn it seems like a shot on goal was a way more obvious choice there. ... even if it may have been blocked.
Nice shot from Pedri and great save. So close. But that whole play was convoluted with Messi trying to find space.
Why would Griezmann even try that shot on his right foot? Has he ever scored a goal like that? Smh. Came off Messi’s hand too. What a waste.