Barça have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League after beating Schalke 04 1-0 (2-0 on aggregate) and will now face Manchester United for a place in the final in Moscow on May 21st. However, the performance, especially in the first half left a lot to be desired. Whether the recent declarations from directors had a negative effect I cannot say, but for the first half an hour Barça played so badly it looked more likely that they would get knocked out.
In the first twenty minutes Schalke had 9 attempts on goal as Barça were completely outplayed. Schalke surprised with some neat one touch football and threatened with long shots and dangerous crosses. After 7 minutes Valdés dived to save a shot from Altintop and the ball spun up behind him and would have gone in if the keeper hadn’t reacted quickly to hurl himself backwards and palm the ball away. On 14 minutes a cross from the right found Kuranyi who got inbetween Thuram and Zambrotta but fortunately his header went wide.
Barça created one great chance after 12 minutes when Iniesta threaded a great ball through to Xavi but his shot was saved well by Neuer, but Schalke continued to look the more dangerous. In the 21st minute another cross from the right where Abidal was looking completely lost found Kuranyi stretching but unable to prod the ball inside the post. Schalke’s initial push eased up a bit and Bojan had one timid effort for Barça straight at Neuer. However the story of the first half an hour was of Schalke out-playing and out-muscling Barça.
Fortunately for Barça the referee was strict with some of Schalke’s fouls and perhaps that had something to do with the Germans easing up a bit. Barça continued to create very little until out of the blue Toure Yaya scored to give Barça some more breathing space. It was Toure himself who started the move by opening up to Bojan who played tonight on the right wing. Bojan’s cross hit an outstretched German leg and flew up into the air, Eto’o who had been storming in for the cross helped to create confusion by colliding with the goalkeeper, Rafinha got in Krstajic’s way on the goal line as the ball came down and Krystajic only managed to head the ball towards Toure, Eto’o on the floor now continued to get in the way of Neuer and when Toure’s mishit shot came in Neuer was jumping up over the ball which nestled sweetly in the back of the net. It was a lucky scrambled goal after a more than disjointed first half from Barça, but the lead at half time was extremely welcome to help calm the nerves being shown both on the pitch and in the stands.
The second half was a different story. Iniesta and Xavi managed to come into the game a bit, and Bojan began to look dangerous on the right. Puyol was magnificent at the back to deal with practically every Schalke attack. Henry and Iniesta had early chances to increase Barça’s lead but it would have been a bit much to ask for any more luck. The only negative point came after 63 minutes when Puyol was forced into a foul after Abidal gave the ball away and he won himself a yellow card which means he will miss the first game with Man United on April 23rd.
Bojan was creating most danger until Rijkaard surprisingly decided that he was the player to take off to make way for Giovani. Barça should have finished the game off but twice Thierry Henry failed to find Samuel Eto’o in a scoring position. Lilian Thuram made one last good block to stop Kuranyi on 80 minutes and Barça held on quite comfortably at the end. Who knows what might have happened if Schalke had been able to take one of their early chances.
The only player who can really take any credit from tonight’s game is Carles Puyol. Bojan was good in the second half but disappointing in the first. Toure Yaya deserves applause for scoring and for lasting for 80 minutes but he doesn’t clean up in midfield as he did before his injury and at time looks like an injured elephant lumbering behind the pack. Worst of all was Eric Abidal whose form has dropped frighteningly in the second half of the season. Surely it is time for Sylvinho to take over at left back though I dread to think what Cristiano Ronaldo might do if he has a good day.
Barça: Valdés 6; Zambrotta 6, Thuram 6, Puyol 8, Abidal 4; Xavi 5.5, Toure5.5 (Marquez m80, 5), Iniesta 6; Bojan 6 (Giovani m72, 6.5), Eto’o 5.5, Henry 5.5 (Gudjohnsen m91, –).
Goals: m43 Toure 1-0
Barça Yellows: m63 Puyol (misses next match)
Attendance: 72,113
54 responses so far ↓
Youssef Gazia // Apr 9, 2008 at 21:59
Barcelona Set Up United Classic - goal.com
Will Puyol miss the united clash?!
blaugranaboy // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:00
dude u gave bojan a 6!!!!!!!!!!! he played like at least an 8. did u see how upset the fans were when he was subbed off???? strange rating i must say. otherwise pretty bad to average performance. first half was horrendous, 2nd half slightly better. whatever, not much more to say
Piotrek // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:20
yep.strange rating. Bojan was our best player.8 for him..Without him we were nowhere in attack .
Frede // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:24
Great we’re through. I think it shows some class, that we can beat a team like Schalke when only playing at 70%. I’m a bit disappointed about the reaction from the crowd when Bojan was taken off. Yes, maybe Henry didn’t give much in offense today, but he was solid and working hard in the defense when it was needed, and its important to keep some routine on field when playing for a result. So i totally understand Rijkaard, and i think people should respect him despite a run of poor results and mediocore playing.
By the way, Rijkaard just told danish television, that he wanted to spare Bojan and they both agreed that he should not play 90 minutes. There you go.
It sucks, that Puyol is out of the first United-clash, but that’s life. We still have Marquez and Milito - so ManU, bring it on!
Youssef Gazia // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:30
If rikkard decides that thuram is the best choice alongside gabi milito, it would be the biggest mistake of his life.
Nic // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:33
I thought Bojan was as bad as the rest in the first half, I agree he was good in the second but that was only 25 minutes. Don’t know why Rijkaard subbed him, but the mark was for his overall performance.
Angus // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:39
A 6 for Bojan was a bit harsh, he was at least a 7 or an 8.
Poor overall performance against a team that are nothing special. Better to see Eto’o playing more through the middle than out on the right and Xavi did well controling the midfield.
It’s still lacking a spark of creativity. Iniesta looks pretty poor at the moment and Bojan was the only one that really ran at defenders. Henry just passes it back now and looks to have zero confidence.
I can only assume that Rijkaard is trying to protect Bojan by taking him off. Any thoughts?
blaugranaboy // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:44
i didn think he was that bad at all first half. only one that was trying things and putting in crosses and making nice little touches. henry, and i being his biggst critic, will say he seemed to put in slightly more effort. though he still is constantly on the floor and his shooting is abysmal. ive never been as nervous for a match in 2 weeks as i am now. when that day comes, i will be nothing but unhappy and worried. unless some sort of miracle happens in our game, but, i dont believe in miracles.
blaugranaboy // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:50
one thing i will give you 100% credit for is abidal. oh my word, how BAD is he!!!!! i never liked him. i always thought evra was better and never understood why he started for france. but his first months i thought i was wrong about him, seems not. and i get why bojan was subbed off, never thought it was a terrible move. unnecessary, but not terrible. frank knew bojan knew he had a good game. he was hoping henry could stay on and get a goal to boost his confidence. thats why i think.
Siim // Apr 9, 2008 at 22:57
Nic, many fans refer to their favourite club as “we”, you refer to Barcelona as “they”. “for the first half an hour Barça played so badly it looked more likely that they would get knocked out”. Can you explain?
Nic // Apr 9, 2008 at 23:01
Congratulations to e10 and dnzi on correct predictions. e10 joins Blaugrana on three correct predictions
Nic // Apr 9, 2008 at 23:03
Siim - not sure how to reply. I suppose as I write as a reporter sometimes it comes out as ‘they’ and sometimes as a fan I write ‘we’. Whatever the case you can be sure I am with them/us.
Justin // Apr 9, 2008 at 23:06
Does anyone know when tickets for members go on sale for the semi final?
Lee // Apr 9, 2008 at 23:11
Well. We are through. But that’s about it. Can’t say I’m looking forward to playing Manyoo though - this whole Catalan pessimism thing is contagious isn’t it?
Did someone swap Abidal for a look-a-like at christmas?
Hilal // Apr 9, 2008 at 23:17
As predicted another poor performance. Again we are extremely predictable, slow on the ball and we just look labored all around. Henry doesnt deserve a starting spot anymore and if Rijkaard continues to play him when Messi gets back it is just more proof that he has no power when it comes to the so called stars of our team. It is shocking that the best players on the pitch today were a 17 year old and an 18 year old. They were the only two who looked lively in attack! The older more experienced players should be ashamed that they are relying on teenagers to do their jobs. I have always been a big supporter of Henry, but today I really saw what the team means to him, very little! Eto’o seems to have lost a lot of confidence since being played so regularly on the right and it shows. Bojan is quite a talent and I have to say that giving him a 6 is a bit harsh. Yes he did not see much of the ball in the first half but the team as a whole was not performing at all so I do not think it was really his fault. Once the team picked it up a bit you saw how fast he came to life, unlike the other two forwards. I was also happy with Gio, who again seemed the more lively of the 3 up front. In my opinion he should have started Gio instead of Henry, but I dont think Frank has the balls to start Gio in the current atmosphere.
To be honest on the balance of play we probably should not be progressing.
A better team would probably would have beaten us relatively easily and now we have to face the most on form team in Europe, who played a second string team today and dispatched Roma without too much trouble. We are now also going to be missing Puyol, which will make it even harder. I hate to sound like the cynic, but I am just going by what I see on the pitch. If the team that played today shows up against Man Utd we will get ripped to shreds.
layi // Apr 9, 2008 at 23:18
i continue to watch
Shahenshah // Apr 9, 2008 at 23:25
Man Puyol is my idol! I am not gonna lie! My goodness! I was only able to watch the first half and puyol did so well to save the team. Deflecting a cross or two.
Infact around the 30th minute, Zambrotta went up the field, took a shot, slipped and I started tripping mad when Schalke broke out from the left. But then Puyol amazingly intervened one of the passes and broke it off with a sublime slide. Toure took the ball and kicked it out.
I dont know what happened in the second half but I know for sure Puyol kept fighting to earn a truly deserved captain’s performance.
I gotta say though, Schalke came with a heavily physical game. I thought Celtic was bad, these guys were nuts.
From the first minute, hell not even half, asamoah decked Puyol in the back for a loose ball when Puyol tried shielding him. Puyol was surprised, smiled and had a ” Did you see that? Damn this guy is crazy!” look on his face. Then later Puyol reached out a foot in saving Barcelona by deflecting the ball from right under asamoah’s nose. Asamaoah turned around and fell on his leg. MY GOD! Imagine that huge fellow falling on your leg awkwardly. Puyol fell to the ground for a few minutes. Got back up in a few though. Dont worry Puyol is a beast.
What happened to Thuram’s leg?!
Henry got pushed around too…………….well not really but he did fall to the ground with ease.
Catherine-Lucia // Apr 9, 2008 at 23:48
How did Giovani play? I can get a basic gist of the game but I’m just curious as to Giovani’s play because I’m looking for him to follow as Bojan has if you get my drift (although I doubt he’ll be as successful)…
Hilal // Apr 10, 2008 at 0:01
Gio did pretty well tonight. I think people are way to harsh on this kid. You cannot expect all of our players to be like Messi or Bojan. If anything they are the strange ones for being so good at such young ages. Gio has a lot of potential, he has a lot to learn, as do Bojan and Messi, but I think we should be patient with him. Look how long it took Ronaldo to really shine. I think it would be a mistake to sell him, he will be very good one day. He is already improving with each game. At least he is lively and he works his socks off, which is more than I can say for Henry! I do not think he will be as good as Messi or even Bojan, but those two are very special indeed so just because he wont be as good does not mean he wont be a very valuable asset!
Catherine-Lucia // Apr 10, 2008 at 0:09
I agree–Giovani is my favorite player, and while he is obviously not the most skilled, he works really hard and has come a long way. Even if you don’t particularly like Giovani dos Santos personally, you have to respect anyone who plays for Barcelona’s first time at age 18. You really do.
Angus // Apr 10, 2008 at 0:19
I think one of the main problems this season for Giovani has been that Bojan has been so good. At the start of the season people (the media) were talking about Giovani as the next Messi etc, the next one off the Barcelona production line. With Bojan being younger and steeling the spotlight this, for me, has possibly put more pressure onto Giovani when he play’s as the expectation level has risen. He has shown flashes of what he can do and I believe there is much more to come from him. I hope we as Barcelona fans get to see it.
Hilal // Apr 10, 2008 at 0:26
Here you go guys, this might cheer you up. We will have him back soon and if we are to beat Man Utd we need him doing this kinda stuff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sBKbJ4SJz8&feature=related
Nic // Apr 10, 2008 at 1:32
Great video Hilal. Can’t wait to have him back.
Shahenshah // Apr 10, 2008 at 3:02
Damnit we dont have puyol for one game. That can only mean one thing. Defend by attacking relentlessly.
When exactly is Messi back? Next week?
Shahenshah // Apr 10, 2008 at 3:06
Also anybody know a link to detailed highlights of the second half? I missed it because my cable broke. Please and thank you.
bobby // Apr 10, 2008 at 4:20
gio will be a star later on when RKJAARD gives him an oppurtunity to start r they really selling him??
Varughese // Apr 10, 2008 at 4:57
Every player takes more time on the ball. Only exception looks like Inieasta. Rijkaard has two matches to test a stable combination against ManU. Drop Henry; Iniesta can do well there - actually he always is able to get past atleats one defender. Messi should return to right; Include Gudjonsen in middle.
Does anyone noticed how bad was Eto last night. He should have scored.
Joe Henry // Apr 10, 2008 at 5:08
Even thou the first half we scored. I loved the second half. But still there is something missing. The Finishing is terrible ! BTW with the stars on the team we can beat Manchester United no probelem. If Henry walks up from his long sleep, Frank relive the good old days, Messi return, Eto also needs to walk up……. You know what i mean we can win the league and the Champions
El // Apr 10, 2008 at 5:41
my god, how terrible was Henry! Bojan, Gio and Puyol did a relly great job.
Congratulations with victory!
Jay // Apr 10, 2008 at 6:25
@ Hilal
The points regarding being slow on the ball and Thierry Henry are completely true.
Can’t understand why the team doesn’t pressurize the opponents. Look at the amount of space afforded to them. Schalke deserved to win till Toure’s goal at least. They sort of gave up after that.
Bojan was brilliant. As was Puyol. Losing him for United is a blow. A huge one.
One of the worst conclusions from this season is that the outcome of the Henry-Barca love affair hurts almost as much as the title loss last season. I’d never imagined he would go so bad.
If a new coach would be coming, I hope Henry stays and proves himself. Can’t bear listening to Arsenal fans rant about Henry not coming good at Barca.
Shahenshah // Apr 10, 2008 at 6:41
I hate arsenal. Just wanted to clear that out of the blue.
Is Messi back next week or the week after?
dayib-sm // Apr 10, 2008 at 7:13
Congratulations with victory.
Bojan is the best but not to be say you are the best because he is still young.
so he make more and more improvement.
i know last month and in april he showed well.
so i shall hope he will become the best player in this world the coming season.
so let’s hope to win this season the champion league.
Shahenshah // Apr 10, 2008 at 7:16
Henry has to wake up and do well. One of the major reasons he came to barcelona was to win champions league. We are in the semi-final. Henry is very close to achieving his dream. Work harder if you are given the opportunity to start.
Sadly I fear when Messi returns, Bojan might get the back seat and Henry will still play on.
blaugranaboy // Apr 10, 2008 at 8:02
i have at times still supported rijkaard but my patience and suport will become a little thinner if he drops bojan and keeps henry. it really does not matter if bojan goes on the left. anybody will do better than him. at least bojan can cut in and be on his favorite foot, cause a few times last night he cut in on his life, and giving him credit he still tried to shoot, but on his right he will be much happier. even against united, putting a guy on with hunger, drive, and confidence is better than (finally everyone notices) terrible “always on the floor” henry. i hope he can find some inspiration somewhere and play well. he has to be motivated to play united, his long time bitter rivals, and win a trophy he never has. lets just hope
blaugranaboy // Apr 10, 2008 at 8:09
anybody will do better than him, ie henry
Mike M // Apr 10, 2008 at 8:19
Lee - I think they did, Abidal has been brilliant in the first half of the season, but in the second, his standard has dropped and he is so poor.
I must say Valdes played well, if it wasn’t for him, Schalke would have scored at least 3 goals in the first half.
BARCA 4 LYF // Apr 10, 2008 at 10:33
United are a good side so Barca should have a defensive but still attacking formation like 5-3-2. The 5 at the back should be zambrotta, marquez, Milito, Thuram and Abidal! In mid as usual Toure protecting the defenders and Xavi and Iniesta trying to get forward! Up front it should be the return of MESSI in his normal striking position with Bojan, Henry and Eto’o trying to fight to partner him up front!
Nic // Apr 10, 2008 at 10:47
Justin - Haven’t heard yet when tickets go on sale. You should check the official club site for news - http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/
Shahenshah - Nobody wants to put a date on Messi’s comeback for fear of pressurizing him back too soon. Yesterday he trained with the group. I think he will get some minutes against Espanyol on April 19th and depending how he is doing they will decide if he will start against United.
Rohan // Apr 10, 2008 at 10:55
Guys, we have the biggest english speaking barca forum up. Its been on for the last 4 years now and we’d love to have your opinions as well. Info on Tickets for Barca United at OT are also available from senior members.
http://forum.fcbarcelonaweb.co.uk
We’d love to have your Opinions.
Jay // Apr 10, 2008 at 11:51
Look at the lack of respect. So evident.
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=548504
It’s time to fly the red-and-blue flags at Old Trafford.
It’s time to put some egos in their places.
It’s time to make a statement.
It’s time to make Ronaldo bleed.
It’s time to do something right this season.
I hope Barca take advantage of their underdogs, non-favourites status against United. Beating United would be the best thing to happen since Arsenal in 2006. Rijkaard should focus on changing the mentality of the players and the approach towards the game.
The one thing needed - energy. Let’s just show some energy.
Varughese // Apr 10, 2008 at 12:42
Jay:
Hope the players see it. Actually all over the Television it’s been played out. Most of the commentators are going ahead and writing off Barcelona. Hope the players get toughen with this treatment. ManU definitely have an upper hand - they play the second leg at home and we haven’t done well when we have to play the second leg away. Looking into their players statement it looks like they are already won the tie.
BARCA 4 LYF // Apr 10, 2008 at 13:08
http://www.tribalfootball.com./article.php?id=87274. Anyone heard about this?
Taras // Apr 10, 2008 at 13:40
Good match! In the first half Bojan was poor but he was fantastic later. We created a lot of chances but failed to turn them into goals. I believe we can beat Manchester United if we create so many chances.
e10 // Apr 10, 2008 at 14:20
An average performance but the win was there and in the end that’s all that counts.
Good to see Yaya score.
A great clash in da next round with Man Utd.
Mr Analysis // Apr 10, 2008 at 16:55
I’m sure we have all watched how our beloved Barca qualify 4the semi’s of the champions league this time around with a slim unlikely 2-0 aggregate victory.
Put all the emotions aside, whats the truth and reality of that game? Were we really worthy victors?
The entire FC Barcelona team should watch their entire 2nd leg win again. They should watch the whole game and see for themselves as to how good and bad they really are!!!
Mr Analysis // Apr 10, 2008 at 17:03
‘The good side of the whole 2nd leg victory against Schalke’
1- We did show glimpses of our flowing football.
2- We showed a fair bit of determination.
3- Rijkaard finally directed Bojan to stay out wide on the right wing.
4- Luck was on our side
5- Xavi’s inspiring display!!
Mr Analysis // Apr 10, 2008 at 17:23
“Weakness of the whole 2nd leg victory”
1-Weird formation. can anybody tell me what formation are we playing in reality. How did the goal take place? Bojan stormed the right wing and created lots of problems. True! But if there’s a right wing, where the hell is the left???? where’s the balance in formation?
2- Xavi and iniesta both are very good midfielders indeed.. but how big in size are they? why do we have 2 small players running our midfield?Is this good defensively? there are times in other games when deco,xavi,puyol, bojan,dos santos,and iniesta are played together! Whatsup with Barca? A team of short and petite players????
3- Yaya toure- i personally think that he has what it takes to be our Owen
Hargreves,our Michael Carrick, our Mascherano, our Michael Essien or
even better.At current status, he is yet to play according to their heights. In short, his current role is insignificant to FC Barcelona. Toure has great height and physical presence. We should deploy him strictly as a defensive midfielder who often aids our defence. goes up once inawhile. Mainly getting into positions 2-4 metres outside the box when we’re in a crossing situation particularly when we’re taking a cornerkick as i am well aware that he has a great shot from distance. He should be more of a holding player.
Shahenshah // Apr 10, 2008 at 17:33
Thank you Nic
Mr Analysis // Apr 10, 2008 at 17:34
How do teams win games? Isn’t it obvious that we need to score to win? Do we have great scorers in our team?? Yes of course we have!! T.Henry, and Eto are prolific scorers!!! So whats the problem?? Or is Rijkaard to bz trying to make Dos Santos,Bojan, and the rest of the team score 20 goals per season each? What are we doing for goodness sake?? RIJKAARD,,,,,i hope you read this!!get Eto and Henry to play their favourite most effective positions please!!! Get the rest of the team to work together and aid them more. give them(Eto and Henry) their favourite pass. Set them the main priority in 90 minutes of game play!!TEAMWORK….TEAMWORK…..TEAMWORK!!!! give the twin strikers the main priority please!!!! Xavi can’t be expected to score week in week out!!! We can’t always depend on Messi(Our main playmaker).
Mr. Analysis // Apr 10, 2008 at 17:42
Motivate Henry,somebody!!!! Give him the morale boost!! Henry…….you can do it!!! you can get pass whoever you want!!! you the man!!! Somebody say that to him please!!! Rijkaard should place him as a 2nd striker who plays 10-25 metres away from goal…and give him the space and freedome to drift to the left whenever he wants. while eto on the other hand should linger in the box,presure the defence.anywhere just outside the box once inawhile is acceptable! he should seldome drift to the wings as he is less effective there!!!
Mr. Analysis // Apr 10, 2008 at 17:50
Henry lacks confidence! he should be more terrorizing! he can be! i know it! Henry! you can buddy! you freakin can do it! they should work the strike partnership out quick! One fine example is……when henry is lingering slightly out on the left, 20 metres away from goal, eto should already start lingering in the box manacing around the defence and when eto is slightly outside the box,,,,henry should get closer to the box and start finding the possible space to make it easy for him to be picked out!!!! Easier said then done!!! It all depends on Rijkaard and the players now!
Mr. Analysis // Apr 10, 2008 at 17:56
Last But not least, the current batch of midfielders…..should be more aware when on the attack!!! They should find space in the park for themselves so it would be easier for whoever with the ball to spray passes to them. I see too many passes going a stray at times!!! and thats mainly because there isn’t anyone or any gaps to pass that ball!!! And we cant effort to do this!!! why cant’s all the midfielders follow Xavi’s example in the second leg??? get into gaps in midfield,,,,and pass as well as possible! No pass no flow…..no flow no game…..no game….no victory!!!!! NO VICTORY AND YOU GET BOOOOES!
Varughese // Apr 11, 2008 at 5:17
Mr. Analysis:
we actually have two of the world’s best midfielders in Xavi and Iniesta. I do agree that they are a bit short, but then the most agile players are the short ones. Secondly Toure is still carrying that injury and that is affecting his performance. You didn’t see the left wing? Actually Henry was supposed to be the one. He don’t fit into that wing play - that’s why i have been always insisting to have Iniesta there at the left.
Jay // Apr 11, 2008 at 5:27
Seriously, we would be better off with an Iniesta-Bojan-Giovani attack, if nothing else….
Xavi has been excellent this season.
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