Overview
Plenty controversy still hung over this fixture following last week’s ill-tempered Bernabéu clash, as Madrid looked to overcome a two-goal deficit at the home of their arch-rivals. Barcelona welcomed back Andres Iniesta in their only change from the first leg, as the visitors had to make do without suspended pair Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
After a largely uneventful first half, it was Iniesta who created the game’s opener, with a superb through ball setting up Pedro to coolly slot home on 54 minutes. Madrid hit back and were level within 10 minutes, Marcelo finding the net from a Di Mario pass after the winger had hit the post, but no further goals saw Pep Guardiola’s men book their place in the Wembley final with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
No red cards this time round but Madrid’s Foul Count of 30 is fairly indicative as to why they picked up 5 yellows cards: Carvalho, Alonso, Marcelo, Diarra and Adebayor all received cautions, while Pedro was the only player booked for the home side.
Player Positions
Barcelona’s shape illustrates their 4-3-3 interpretation perfectly; perhaps only Carlos Puyol- playing out of position at left-back- is not as attacking as a player more natural to the role. David Villa kept wide and high on the left, allowing Iniesta plenty offensive license from a central berth.
Both Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain started for Madrid, with the Brazilian in the hole behind. The pair were largely ineffectual, however, managing 1 Shot between them and both departed the proceedings before the hour mark. Madrid’s full-backs pushed high up the pitch to give more width, with Marcelo, in particular, mirroring the role of Daniel Alves on the opposite flank.
Cristiano Ronaldo was positioned wide left but drifted inwards so often his position is more similar to that of Iniesta, illustrating a lack of width further up the pitch for the visitors.
Shot Directions
Lionel Messi had 6 of Barcelona’s 11 Shots, a big factor in 73% of the hosts attempts coming from the middle. Villa and Iniesta weighed in with a shot apiece from the left and only 9% is registered from the right side due to Pedro ghosting into a central position to open the scoring with one of his two efforts in the game.
The stats may say 100% of Madrid’s Shots came down the middle, but 2 of their total of 3 came from the same move within the space of a few seconds, meaning they had 1 other shot all game. With Javier Mascherano playing out of position at centre half in addition to Puyol on the left, Jose Mourinho’s side will regret failing to take advantage of Barcelona’s weakness in defence.
Pass Types
As always, Barcelona bossed possession, with 69% of the play. Both teams stats are virtually identical for Long Balls, Crosses and Through Balls, but it was the hosts “Tiki-Taka” passing game that puts Madrid in the shade; Barcelona made 660 Short Passes compared to Madrid’s 270.
Star Player Comparison
Once again, Lionel Messi was Barcelona’s best player, with a Rating of 8.3. He was far and away the most impressive attacker on show at the Camp Nou last night, with 6 Shots (4 more than anyone else on the pitch), an incredible 7 Successful Dribbles, 100 Touches and 64 Passes with a 92% Accuracy.
Just edging Messi for Man of the Match was Madrid’s right-back Alvaro Arbeloa. A fantastic defensive performance saw him make 8 Tackles (including 2 critical Last Man Tackles), 6 Interceptions and 2 Clearances in a inspirational display that was crucial to keeping the home side at bay. With 71 Touches, Arbeloa also saw more of the ball than any Madrid player.
