Big guns fire Barca to last 16

When Paris Saint Germain inflicted Barcelona’s first defeat of the Luis Enrique era at the Parc des Princes back in September, they did so without Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The French side’s 3-2 win was more emphatic than the scoreline suggested and, even without the Swede, exposed Barca’s defensive frailties for the first time under Enrique.

The enfant terrible of European football was back in the Parisians’ line-up at Camp Nou on Wednesday night and must have concealed a wry smile on hearing Enrique’s team selection. As expected, the Coach deployed an overtly attacking line-up, his triple-megastar forward line augmented by Pedro Rodriguez in a 3-3-4 formation in a game the Catalans needed to win to secure first place in the group.

Barca’s irresistible firepower was the key to their ultimately comfortable victory. Defence was another matter, however, in an at times uneven display. With Dani Alves suspended, Jordi Alba confined to the bench and Javier Mascherano back in his more natural midfield position, Enrique fielded a trio of centre-backs. Gerard Pique was flanked by Marc Bartra and Jeremy Mathieu and the three enjoyed contrasting fortunes.

A consummate squad player, Bartra seems to have been around for years under successive Coaches, without managing to nail down a regular place in the side. He gave a robust performance and did well to block shots from Edinson Cavani, Thiago Motta and Blaise Matuidi, who could all have scored. Pique was solid in the centre of the three but Mathieu was the weak link as his lack of pace was exposed, creating space for PSG’s eager attack.

Ibrahamovic had been given a chilly reception by the Camp Nou faithful, with jeers greeting his early touches of the ball. As is often the way in such circumstances, however, it was almost predestined that the Swede would score and, given too much room by Barca’s defence, he duly delivered inside a quarter of an hour, set up from a move involving Lucas Moura and Matuidi.

Barca’s quick response ensured almost immediate parity as Lionel Messi converted from Luis Suarez’s precise pass. It was Messi’s 75th Champions League goal, the Argentine having overhauled Raul’s all-time competition record in the previous match against APOEL. Once they were level, Enrique’s men always looked dangerous going forward but continued to appear vulnerable at the back, Mathieu’s lack of pace cruelly exposed more than once by the impressive Lucas. 

Barca’s second was a goal to savour, as Neymar rifled a rasping shot from distance into the bottom left-hand corner. Enrique opted to reinforce the midfield with Ivan Rakitic and Xavi Hernandez replacing the persevering Pedro Rodriguez and the tiring Andres Iniesta. Barca weathered a PSG revival before Suarez’s thoroughly deserved first Camp Nou goal for the Catalans, the Uruguayan pouncing on a loose ball after goalkeeper Sirigu had parried Neymar’s shot.

The win was ample revenge for that early season defeat in Paris and ensured Barcelona’s place in Monday’s last 16 draw as group winners. Their ability to score goals will make them a feared opponent in the knockout stage, but Enrique still has defensive vulnerabilities to address.

La Liga - Club News