Champions League football returned after a few weeks’ break, with Barca in Istanbul for a date with Turkish giants Galatasaray. Could the Catalans achieve 10 wins out of 10 since the start of the season? Let’s take a look at three talking points from the game…
Flick surprises with Olmo experience
Say what you like about Hansi Flick, but he’s certainly a courageous coach who isn’t afraid to try different things if he sincerely believes they might work.
Against Galatasaray, he opted to have Dani Olmo as a false nine, rather than, perhaps, Gabriel Jesus as a more traditional center forward.
It certainly wasn’t an experiment that culers couldn’t understand the logic of, as there was obvious reasoning behind Flick’s decision.
Olmo would not only be able to potentially slot in at the end of crosses if given the opportunity, but he would also function as a player linking the midfield to the attack when needed.
Although he wasn’t too involved in the opening 45 minutes, he almost scored with a flying header, and just when Barça were pushing for a goal, approaching half-time, it was Olmo’s magnificent challenge on Davinson Sánchez that allowed Joao Cancelo to equalize.
It’s a shame for the 28-year-old that he didn’t do much more to influence the game, although, oddly enough, he didn’t have a bad game either.
His movement and the way he took up his position on the pitch will ensure Flick gives it another try, although arguably he took the opportunity to shut a few mouths and claim more tenure early on is probably stretching it a bit.
Total control in the most hostile atmospheres
Let’s be clear. Even when Barcelona were behind, it was absolutely against the run of play.
Although the visitors were yet to score, they were by far the better team, dominating possession and creating chances, but they were dealt a blow.
Things could have been much worse had Victor Osimhen’s goal not been ruled out shortly after, but Barca deserved that bit of luck.
Cancelo’s goal came at just the right time and in the second half it wasn’t a fight.
The way the Catalans circulated the ball, eliminating the advantage of the game, was a joy to watch, and the first two goals from Fermin Lopez and Anthony Gordon were no more than they deserved.
If there was one small criticism to be made, it might be that the visitors didn’t take their chances in the first half, as they could have been home and dry before the referee even blew the whistle for the break.
A sensational performance in a hostile setting that deservedly propelled Barça to the top of the Champions League standings.
Defending from the front is essential
Much will be made of the fact that Barça scored four more goals.
In eight league games and two Champions League matches this season, all of which they won, the Blaugranes have scored a sensational total of 43 goals.
No other club on the continent comes close.
The pace, power and commitment of all the attacking personnel, as well as the midfielders who like to complete forays up the pitch, meant that opponents simply couldn’t live with them.
This has made the life of the back four a lot easier, and the most positive aspect of this way of playing…the team just won’t settle down. They continue for the chinlock.
At 4-1 against Gala and a few minutes from the end, the Catalans were still looking for a fifth. Not a single thought in their minds of sitting back and protecting the lead.
Gn sports
