Welcome back to TalkBarca. Our topic for today is the Match Review of Real Valladolid vs FC Barcelona. FC Barcelona went away to face Valladolid before they go on a weeklong break for Christmas. The Blaugranas had a very tough task to accomplish as the team is lacking momentum at the momentum and have a lot to deal with. However, Koemann and his men showed composure and won the game 0-3. Here is the Match Review of the game discussing the First and Second Half individually
REAL VALLADOLID VS FC BARCELONA MATCH REVIEW
FIRST HALF
FC Barcelona had a great start to the game. Ronald Koemann decided to change things up a bit and went with a completely different lineup than usual. He chose to play three center backs. Furthermore, neither Antoine Griezmann nor Philippe Coutinho were included in the starting lineup. This looked like a big gamble at first, but it paid off. Every Catalan player played good football and the entire team dominated the game as an entire unit. The Blaugranas were dominant over the in-form Real Valladolid side and were able to score two goals in the first half.
The first goal was scored by Clement Lenglet who was able to score a well-timed header. He was assisted by Lionel Messi who was having a great game as well. Messi completed his all time 300 assists as Clement pushed the ball into the net. Martin Braithwaite scored the second goal. He was assisted by Sergino Dest. Dest delivered a very pin-point and accurate cross to Braith who was able to score easily in front of an open net.
Overall, the Blaugranas looked very dominant in the first half. The different formation and player choices seemed to click for Ronald Koemann. The team went inside the tunnel much relaxed and confident.
FIRST HALF: REAL VALLADOLID 0-2 FC BARCELONA
SECOND HALF
FC Barcelona started the second half in a similar fashion as the first half. The Blaugranas looked very confident with and without the ball. Furthermore, the gameplay was very fluent overall and this was perhaps the biggest sign of a professional display from the team. The players were hungry to get more goals and this hunger ended when Lionel Messi scored the third and final goal of the game. Pedri setup Messi with a beautiful backheel pass. The Argentinean International finished the ball in the back of the net with ease. He completed his 644th goal for the club making an all time record.
Overall, FC Barcelona delivered its one of the best performances of the season with this win over Valladolid. Marc Andre Ter Stegen was able to keep a clean sheet which is going to add to his confidence as well. The Catalonia boys need to carry on in the similar fashion in future games and things can get favorable for them in no time.
FULL TIME: REAL VALLADOLID 0-3 FC BARCELONA
