A valuable draw for Barça (0-0)

Barça have taken a well-deserved draw away from Villarreal’s Madrigal stadium in the Cup quarterfinal first leg. They dominated throughout but failed to punish the home side in the final metres. The Cup clash was a world away from the league game earlier in the season when Barça lost for the first time in the season. That day Villarreal were in dazzling form whereas tonight it was Barça that dominated and sparkled despite failing to take their chances, especially in the second half.

The ball just wouldn’t enter the net and now it’ll all be decided in next week’s second leg in the Camp Nou.

Taking control
Barça made a well-organised and serious start, pushing the ball around confidently and taking control of the game. Henry had Barça’s best chance of the first half after just 5 minutes, shooting just wide of the post after Iniesta’s assist. With Barça dominating possession, Giovani also tried his luck.

More control
Barça gradually lost some of their early penetration but continued to retain the ball. The game stagnated a little in midfield and the second quarter of the match was pretty much the least attractive, with a number of hopeful long range efforts easily dealt with by both keepers. The only exception was a dangerous shot from Nihat that Valdés turned away for a corner.

More penetration
Leo Messi replaced Giovani Dos Santos at the beginning of the second half and Barça continued to retain possession and concentration with Márquez policing the midfield area. Villarreal could hardly get past the halfway line and it seemed that every loose ball fell to a Barça player. Iniesta forced a spectacular save from Villarreal keeper Diego López in the 62nd minute.



Just lacking a goal
Barça were playing well and a goal looked inevitable. In the 73rd minute, Diego López produced another good save to frustrate Iniesta. The one-way traffic was broken only by a long-range effort by Marcos Senna that Valdés did well to touch over his crossbar. Bojan joined the party and together with Iniesta continued testing Diego López. The fans were treated to some pacy one-touch football in what was probably one of Barça’s best away performances of the season.

Barça had the chance to win the match and possibly the tie but were unable to take advantage of their excellent play and control and finally had to settle for a draw. A good result that leaves everything to be decided in the Camp Nou.

Source : FCB