Saturday, December 08, 2007

Unquestionable goal spree

Barça are still unbeaten in Nou Camp, having overcome Recreativo with a resounding 3-0. In the second half, goals from Milito, Bojan and Messí proved decisive. It was more difficult than the result would suggest, but once again Barça left no options to their rivals. In the first half Barça were relentless, but didn’t find the way to crack Recreativo’s well-ordered defence. Bojan entrance in the 60th minute was the key, just when his team were putting Recre’s goalmouth under siege.

A goal by Milito from a corner eased Barça’s nerves, and Bojan himself scored a second to raise the level of euphoria. Messi added to the festival by scoring a third from a penalty.

Total domination
From the outset, the game had been dominated by Barça. Rijkaard’s men kept possession against a well-ordered Recre, but they only looked dangerous when they managed to step up the pace. The clearest chances were when Sorrentino deflected a shot from outside the area by Iniesta, and when a Zambrotta shot swerved just wide of goal. Barça found it difficult to create chances, but slowly gained confidence, dominating the game and quickly regaining possession through pressure whenever they lost it.

Looking for the goal formula
With patience and with an unstoppable Messi, Barça began to find the formula to crack Recre’s somewhat outfield defence. The Argentinean brought out the best from Recre’s goalkeeper in a one-on-one. Despite Barça’s domination, half-time arrived without goals.

Nerves begin to show
Soon after the start of the second half, Puyol had to be substituted by Márquez alter a clash with Sinama Pongolle. With the crowd becoming impatient, Messi raised their spirits with a classic move which nearly ended in a goal. Gudjohnsen was then replaced by Bojan in the 60th minute.

Bojan brings joy
In the 63rd minute, Milito blasted the ball into the net from a corner taken by Xavi on the right. The can was now open, and it was down to Bojan to destroy it, scoring from an impeccable pass from Henry. The youngster showed that he forms a great partnership with Henry.

Intense run-up to the end
Alter an over-long delay for a foul which resulted in a yellow card for Touré, Messi proved his worth once play resumed, getting a penalty from a foul on him by Martín Cáceres. The Argentinian star cold-bloodedly put home the third, making the score reflect more what had happened on the pitch. Messi and Henry both came close to making it four. In the end, they didn’t find their prize, but the crowd’s ovation was prize enough, and Barça remain unbeaten in Nou Camp.

Goals :

1-0 Milito (min 63)
2-0 Bojan (min 65)
3-0 Messi (p) (min 81)


Source : FCB

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