Visualized: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona

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Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app. 



"Football is a funny old game" doesn't come close to satisfying. Football is fucking hilarious sometimes.

Liverpool just beat Barcelona 4-0. In a Champions League semi-final. After losing 0-3 a week ago. Without Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino. Or Naby Keïta. With Andy Robertson going off through injury at half time, requiring 33-year-old James Milner to play nearly a full half there. Without Sadio Mané taking a single shot.

Divock Origi – with all of five starts going into this, sent out on loan last season, nearly sent out of loan or sold this January – scored the opening goal and winner. Gini Wijnaldum – with all of three goals going into this game, horrific as a #9 last week, coming off the bench only because Luis Suarez kicked Robertson out of the match – scored the second and third.

You cannot make this stuff up sometimes.

True, a lot of what we saw is what we've seen Liverpool do well all season. The first goal's capitalizing on an opposition mistake. The second's pressing and full-back crosses. The third's a cross. The fourth's a set play.

That's what Liverpool does. That's what Liverpool wanted to do on Tuesday, what Liverpool needed to do on Tuesday. That's how Liverpool have won matches since August.

But as much as 0-3 in the last leg lied, 4-0 in this does.

Two-legged xG map for Liverpool - Barcelona

Both legs were the same story -- not complete dominance like the score suggested, but the home team was better and all the finishing went the same direction. Overall basically even, but that's not what made it a classic. pic.twitter.com/nDdg9BsPxi

— Caley Graphics (@Caley_graphics) May 7, 2019

Between 1-0 and 2-0, Barcelona had the better chances. Matip's last millisecond tackle on Messi in the 16th minute, denying a near-certain goal. Alisson saving Jordi Alba's clear-cut chance just before the interval and then Suarez's clear-cut chance in the 51st minute. The Brazilian stopped five Barcelona shots on-target; he made just two saves in the last leg.

That said, Barcelona took just eight shots on Tuesday. Lionel Messi took five of them, and created three chances for the others. Being a one-man team is incredibly difficult, even when you're the best player ever. There's precedent for Barcelona's collapse – you could see Roma on every Barca player's face after Wijnaldum's first goal – and it probably doesn't help that seven of Barcelona's starting XI is 30 or older – Messi, Suarez, Pique, Rakitic, Alba, Busquets, and Vidal. Incidentally, both of Liverpool's first two goals started from mistakes from one of those 30-year-olds: Jordi Alba, with a misplayed header to release Mané for the first, pressed out of possession by Alexander-Arnold for the second.

Take your damn chances and you'll probably win the damn game. Force the opposition into more mistakes than you make and you'll probably win the damn game.

Sometimes football's simple. And sometimes man plans and Liverpool laughs.

There's this season's Liverpool. The fucking mentality giants. The side with 30 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches, the most prolific 15-minute period for this side this season. Late winners against PSG, United, Palace, Fulham, Tottenham, Southampton, Newcastle, and now Barcelona – at least kinda sorta, if not technically. The side who's won eight straight in the league to keep pace with a City side that's won 12. The side who'll finish with the most league points in Liverpool history.

And there's Liverpool in Europe.

Liverpool are the only team to have beaten both Barcelona and Real Madrid by four goals in the 21st century.

— Richard Jolly (@RichJolly) May 8, 2019

Olympiakos. Istanbul. Dortmund. Barcelona. We can go back farther – it is "five times," after all – but let's stick with recent memory.

June 1st will see Liverpool's third European final in Jürgen Klopp's fourth season.

Sometimes sport is pain. As we're all well aware. But, sometimes, we are inevitable.

Visualized: Liverpool 0-3 Barcelona

Previous Match Infographics: Huddersfield (h), Cardiff (a), Porto (A), Chelsea (h), Porto (h), Southampton (a), Tottenham (h), Fulham (a), Bayern Munich (a), Burnley (h), Everton (a), Watford (h), Manchester United (a), Bayern Munich (h), Bournemouth (h) West Ham (a), Leicester (h), Crystal Palace (h), Brighton (a), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Newcastle (h), Wolves (a), Manchester Utd (h), Napoli (h), Bournemouth (a), Burnley, Everton (h), Paris St-Germain (a), Watford (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), Cardiff (h), Red Star Belgrade (h), Huddersfield (a), Manchester City (h), Napoli (a), Chelsea (a), Southampton (h), Leicester (a), Brighton (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Ham (h)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app. 



I mean, it ain't rocket science.

Liverpool got out-ruthlessed by a team that does what Liverpool does well, and often does it even better. And also has the greatest player of all time.

Which sucks.

The game plan wasn't bad. The game plan was surprisingly and satisfyingly bold.

Do you. You're the first or second-best team in the first or second-best league in the world. You've lost just one domestic match all season. You're fighting for the title in your league against one of the most expensively assembled sides ever. You're good at the football. Do you.

And Liverpool tried.

Liverpool had Barcelona on the ropes at the Camp Nou for surprisingly long stretches, both in the first and second halves. You show up at Barcelona and look to take the game to them. You press, you possess. You control distinct periods of the match, especially the first 20 minutes of the first half and first 15 minutes of the second half.

But after Liverpool initially impress, Barcelona wins the ball in midfield, cross-field switch, cross-field switch, full-back cross, full-back assist, attacker goal from close range.

But Barcelona counter-attacks late in the match, 15 minutes remaining, hanging onto a one-goal lead, and gets an incredibly fortunate bounce of the ball. Not just once, but twice. First, Messi's through ball to Sergi Roberto not tackled by van Dijk, the pass squirming towards Luis Suarez. Then, Suarez' shot off the woodwork, falling directly to Messi.

But Barcelona adds gloss with a set play. Albeit a direct free kick, which Liverpool have scored one of this season and Lionel Messi's scored eight, but still. Set play goal with a lead.

All of this feels vaguely and unsettlingly familiar.

Barcelona put five of their 12 shots on-target, compared to four of 15 from Liverpool. Barcelona scored two of three clear-cut chances, with the other off the crossbar to set up their third goal. Liverpool failed to score any of their three: Mané off-target when Robertson's low cross bobbles in front of him not long after Suarez' goal, Milner shooting straight at Ter Stegen not long after halftime, and Salah off the post in the 84th minute, when an away goal would have at least given Liverpool hope.

The smallest margins are punished at this level vastly more than at lower. This is the semi-finals of the Champions League, and Liverpool are up against a side that's won this competition three times in the previous ten seasons and their league in eight of those ten. They have been here before, repeatedly. Liverpool are just beginning to reestablish themselves as regulars.

And also, shit happens. Especially when Lionel Messi is involved.

So, yeah, not great, and not entirely Liverpool's fault. Still, Klopp's two big line-up decisions did not work as hoped.

Bobby Firmino is as close to irreplaceable in this side as anyone. Yes, Van Dijk, Alisson, Salah, but his work rate as the spearpoint of the press, the ability to drop deep to link up play but also create chances in the final third and repeadtedly demonstrate those necessary predatory instincts.

Wijnaldum – and it's not entirely his fault – did few of those things. Here's Gini's 79 minutes of work:



No shots. No dribbles. No tackles. One key pass, an in-box layoff to Milner just after half time.

More specifically, here's Gini's 79 minutes of passing.



There are a reasonable amount of passes received both in the box and in the zone just outside. There are few passes played and no shots taken from said positions. Where did the ball go?

I am not entirely sure why Wijnaldum was preferred to Origi or Sturridge. Pressing? Hold-up and link play in the #9/#10 role? Would either have been more influential? Maybe not. But they've at least played the position before. They're at least attackers. Liverpool rarely thrives with just two attackers; even in matches won without one of the front three – which thankfully doesn't happen often – Liverpool's had that other in Origi, Sturridge, Shaqiri, Keïta, or even Lallana.

So who becomes the third shot-taker? James Milner. Which – and we all love Hamez Thrillner – is welp.

This was the one glaring example of Liverpool not doing Liverpool.

And while Joe Gomez is a better defender than Trent Alexander-Arnold, he also hadn't started a match in five months. It's Gomez who's caught two against one after Vidal's cross-field switch, trying to close down both Coutinho and Alba because Henderson's unable to get back in time, neither able to stop Alba's cross into Luis Suarez for the opener.

Gomez only created one chance: a cross for Mané in the 67th minute, headed off-target. Robertson, with 13 assists this season and an average of 1.3 key passes per 90 minutes, failed to create any. That has not happened often this season. Sure, Liverpool had chances to score – good chances, clear-cut chances, even if not as many as we'd like – but Liverpool's full-backs are usually far more involved in creating said chances. And often to Liverpool's benefit.

But it's not Klopp's fault that Keïta went off through injury in the 24th minute. Henderson helped in certain regard, especially in the right half-space; it was his cross for Mané's first-half clear-cut chance, and he increasingly combined well with Gomez until Semedo came on around the hour mark. But he does not break lines like Keïta, press like Keïta, tackle like Keïta, or get in the box like Keïta.

It's not Klopp's fault that Liverpool put so few shots on-target or failed to convert one of three clear-cut chances, which is an awful lot against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

And it's not Klopp or Liverpool's fault that Lionel Messi is Lionel Messi, who's now scored 600 goals in 683 games for Barcelona. Which, holy crap.

But this tie ain't over. Roma came back from a three-goal deficit against Barca in the quarterfinals last season, albeit with an away goal going in. Liverpool have won 11 matches this season by a three-goal margin or more. Of course, Barcelona haven't lost by three yet this season, and have conceded three or more just twice: 3-4 Betis and 4-4 Villarreal, with both fixtures featuring a red card.

It ain't gonna be easy. And, honestly, it probably ain't gonna happen. But that doesn't mean it can't. And, often, that's all this Liverpool team needs.

Liverpool versus Messi: The Battle for 2012

Necessarily wider than it is tall, click to open in a new window.

Messi, Messi, Messi. He broke Gerd Müller's three-century-old record for goals scored in a calendar year! He's scored 86 goals since January!

Big deal.

In the great Liverpool versus Messi battle of 2012, Liverpool are narrowly on top with less than three weeks to go.

Messi may have 86 goals for Barcelona and Argentina. Liverpool have scored 88 goals. Therefore, Liverpool are better. Quod erat demonstrandum.

Messi sneakily took the lead after Liverpool's awesome second half of 2011-12 (remember that?!) by playing matches into late May and June, because he's a sneaky non-Englishman, and then by starting the season in good form, unlike wholesome, honest sides such as Liverpool. The scoundrel. But the Reds are back on top, thanks to scoring five in those ever-so-impressive wins against Young Boys and Norwich, where they'll assuredly stay forever and ever and ever. It's not like Messi scored five in a single European match or anything (*obstinately refuses to check veracity of that statement*).

Messi won one trophy: the Copa del Rey. Liverpool won one trophy: the Carling Cup. So their years were pretty much completely even. Fair dos, Lionel.

For some reason, Messi's goals for both Barcelona and Argentina count. Liverpool didn't even need any international fixtures to surpass Messi's total.

Not to mention that Messi needed 66 games to reach this mark. Liverpool have done it in ten fewer fixtures. Another point in Liverpool's column.

Liverpool were held scoreless in just 13 of its 56 matches. Messi was held scoreless in 22. A whole third of his matches. How embarrassing. Three times, Messi went three consecutive matches without scoring a single goal. Liverpool's haven't been held to successive matches without scoring once, let alone three times.

The defense rests. Nice try, Lionel. Maybe next year.

Adding club friendlies into the mix wouldn't change Liverpool's margin of victory. Liverpool scored five goals in four summer friendlies, Messi scored five goals in four summer friendlies.

Barcelona has three more matches before the end of year. Barring injury or other Act of God, Messi will almost assuredly play in two of the three: the league matches against Atletico Madrid and Real Valladolid. Having not featured in either leg of the last round, there's a good chance he's left out of tomorrow's Copa Del Rey match against second division Cordoba. Although I wouldn't put it past Barcelona to try to pad his total, the cheaters.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have four fixtures left in December: league matches against Villa, Fulham, Stoke, and QPR. Chances are, they actually play football in all four of them *fingers crossed*. Granted, we've seen winter postponements before, but it seems unlikely. Unless the FA conspire with Mother Nature to screw Liverpool. Again. And despite having to play Stoke, where it'll probably take an Act of God for either team to score, Liverpool should be able to hold its advantage over Messi.¹

What's that? How dare I compare a club to a single player? Why don't I see how many goals Liverpool have scored relative to Barcelona?

Quiet you. You're not helping.

P.S. In all seriousness, check out this awesome Messi v Müller infographic from FourFourTwo for more stats on Messi's amazing year.

1) This disclaimer absolves me of all responsibility for when Liverpool fail to score in these matches because we all know I have a tendency to jinx things.

Barcelona 2-0 United

Goals:
Eto’o 10’
Messi 70’

Manchester United trails by one. In search of an equalizer, Ferguson replaces two midfielders with strikers, going to a 4-2-4 formation with Tevez, Berbatov, Rooney, and Ronaldo all on the field. And it doesn’t take long for the opposition to go two goals ahead.

It happened at Old Trafford against Liverpool. And it happened against Barca in the Champions League final. No surprise that Alex Ferguson won manager of the year then, is it?

Barcelona is not a bottom-half Premiership side and it is not clever to go 4-2-4 against a team with Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta in the side, even if you’re losing by a goal. And credit goes to Manton, a sometime commentator on this fine blog, for calling it minutes before Messi scored.

It only took Liverpool three minutes to win the free kick and red card that made it 3-1. It took Barca four. But we won’t hold it against them.

Only die-hard Barca supporters and United haters would have wagered on this result after the first ten minutes. Ronaldo could have had a hat trick in that span himself – a free kick that Valdes spilled, a shot from distance narrowly wide, and an effort blazed across goal – while Park nearly got to the rebound of Ronaldo’s free kick.

But, against the run of play, Barca got out of their own half and Iniesta found Eto’o with a throughball. The Cameroonian made a mess out of the defender of the year (*derisive snort*) before beating Van der Saar at his near post (*second derisive snort*).

That de-pantsing clearly disheartened the Mancs, and sent Barca on their way to their slick passing game – controlling possession and moving through the middle, always looking like a threat to breach the backline.

Messi was a revelation – and that’s the first time I can say that seeing him against English opposition. Whether it was against Chelsea or Liverpool, the diminutive Argentinean has gone missing. Not tonight. The ball was stuck to his feet like superglue, and one moment in the first half stood out. He was clattered by four defenders, with everyone spilling to the ground. Somehow, Messi was first to his feet and kept possession, only the official had blown for the free kick. To be fair, I wouldn’t have played advantage either; there was no way Messi should have been able to keep the ball. It looked impossible.

For the most part, chances were few and far between, but Barca always looked the more likely. United, needing to build from the back because of incessant Barca pressure, struggling to find Rooney and Ronaldo as the half went on. The makeshift backline of Puyol-Toure-Pique-Sylvinho definitively won the day.

The second 45 saw Barca start like a house on fire as both Henry and Messi threatened. Xavi and Iniesta pulled the strings in midfield – and you’re prone to that when your midfield is Park-Carrick-Giggs, as Tevez replaced Anderson at the start of the half.

Like against Liverpool, both Rooney and Ronaldo began to get their acts together around the hour mark, as both were more frequent outlets for hopeful punts forward. And then that aforementioned tactical masterpiece, taking off Park for Berbatov, took place. Puyol won the ball in the center of the pitch, and when United couldn't clear, Xavi sent in a perfect cross for Messi, in between Vidic and O'Shea, to bury with a header. Lovely.

The main highlights after the second goal were another tackling clinic put on by Scholes (I’m stunned he hasn’t hurt more players) and United taunted by olés from the Barcelona faithful. I am a petty man who delighted in every minute.

And while it’s fun to gloat over United’s loss, the truth is that Barca won. No matter the makeshift defense or United’s power on the counter. The central midfield of Xavi and Iniesta was jaw dropping, and this is from a guy who gets to watch Gerrard, Alonso, and Mascherano week in and week out. Messi was at his best, and finally lived up to the hype against English opposition; he was simply magic.

This Barca team is the first Spanish club to win the treble, and it’s evident why. What a job Guardiola’s done, and I’m pleased to see him reap the rewards. But I’ll also readily admit I enjoy it even more because of who they’ve beaten.

Thanks, Barca. Now Liverpool has to complete the job next season and truly knock Ferguson off his "fucking perch."

On Barcelona, Chelsea, and Andres Iniesta

I’m no expert on Spanish football, but the ubiquitous praise for Barcelona and the fact that I’ve got GolTV this season has led me to watch a substantial amount of that team. And that’s why I’m not surprised Andres Iniesta was the one who won it at the death. If you asked me to pick one player – just one – to improve Liverpool, it’d be him.

Much more willing to put in the work to run at Chelsea’s locked defense and try to make something happen (I’m looking at you, Lionel), it finally paid off when he sent a wicked toe-poke past Cech from the top of the box. He’s quick and strong, able to play anywhere along the front three, likes to have a run and shoot from distance, and can both score and set up goals. There’s absolutely zero, ZERO chance he’s leaving Barcelona, but he’s a player I’ve come to adore watching.

Today’s was an amazing game in a number of ways. It’s incredibly harsh on Chelsea – I almost empathize, and then, remembering the team, break out in a mischievous smile. I delight in schadenfreude far too much. Plus, Chelsea’s hysterics after the final whistle – culminating with Drogba hypocritical enough to call someone else a disgrace – were the icing on the cake.

But they’re not kidding when claiming four penalties weren’t given. Two out of the four were seemed stonewall – a free kick given outside the box for a foul that was inside (I’ll buy that it wasn’t a foul, but if you’re giving it, it was clearly in the area), and a Marquez Pique handball, which even if it was incidental, prevented Anelka from getting through. But thems the breaks. Abidal’s red card was never a red, so it’s not as if the ref gave them all to Barca. However, I am 100% open to conspiracy theories involving Platini not wanting a repeat of last year’s final, especially one comprised of two English teams.

Even though it was anti-football at times, I thought it completely compelling. Chelsea simply would not break down – and Lampard and Essien were fantastic. Granted, Barca had no plan C – plan A was pass through the middle and bring Messi in (and there was no space for either), and plan B was Alves crosses in from the right (and he was off all night long). But Chelsea played the stunting, stifling game that always seems to work for English clubs.

This is the first time an English club has been knocked out by a non-English side since Liverpool lost to AC Milan in the 2007 final. Last year, Liverpool dumped out Arsenal in the quarters, Chelsea dumped out Liverpool in the semis, and United won damn thing. This season, Chelsea put out Liverpool and United beat Arsenal. This is why I seriously wouldn’t put it past Platini to fix this game.

And Chelsea’s solitary goal was one that deserved to win any match. I’m probably forgetful in the heat of the moment, but Essien’s might be the best non-Liverpool strike I’ve ever seen (I am too biased to judge otherwise). So what if he couldn’t do it again. Volley with his weaker foot from 25 yards, and hit so perfectly that the keeper has no chance. Simply stunning.

But at the end of the day, a one-goal lead is never enough, as Liverpool’s proven before. Fix or no fix (I haven’t decided yet if I’m kidding), it sets up the final I’d much rather see. That it ends with such a stomach punch amuses me – I admit, I’m a petty, petty man who holds grudges.

But it sucks that Barcelona will be missing Marquez, Alves, and Abidal in the final – if today is any guide, the best bet will be to soak up pressure and attack on the counter, probably targeting the flanks with Puyol coming back and both fullbacks out. Which, sadly, is just how United prefers to play.

A page from Benitez’s book

I’m sure you’ll find more thorough Barca/Chelsea discussion at a variety of other blogs. The Barca and Chelsea Offside sites are probably good places to start.

But I had to point something out about Chelsea's draw at the Camp Nou. Not only was the physical, pressing defensive performance reminiscent of past Liverpool displays in Europe (although Liverpool usually offer more in attack – the 2005 match at Juventus not withstanding), but Messi was also kept similarly quiet.

The coincidence? A right back played at left back, which nullified Messi’s specialty: cutting in onto his left foot. Boswinga was there today, mostly out of necessity with Cole suspended, and the little Argentinean found little joy. In 2007, when Liverpool beat Barca, Arbeloa (in one of his first matches) was at left back (with Riise in midfield), and he completely silenced Messi.

But really, Barca couldn’t make the breakthrough because Chelsea were happy to put so many men behind the ball, Cech played well, and Barca were absolutely profligate, especially in the final few minutes. Simply out of spite, I’d rather see Barca beat any of the English sides, but congrats to Chelsea for stifling Europe’s most impressive club. However, I’d still warn that there’s a lot of work to be done – even after Liverpool’s 2-1 win in Barcelona in 2007, the Catalans won 1-0 at Anfield.

On Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry should have left for Barcelona after last season.

It would have been best for Henry, as he certainly didn’t have a season to remember and has obviously wanted to leave since around November, if not earlier.

It would have been best for Arsenal, who would have received a much higher fee, and could have had an extra season to get their youngsters acclimatized to more responsibility and more playing time.

The only party who may not have benefited more from a move a year early might be Barca, who would have paid far more for Henry’s services, and would have had to figure out how to fit Henry, Ronaldinho, Eto’o, and Messi in the same team, when Messi wasn’t nearly as ready for the limelight as he is after the last season and Ronaldinho and Eto’o weren’t surrounded by falling out rumors.

Don’t get me wrong. Despite my allegiances to Liverpool, this is a sad day for the Premier League. Henry was easily the best foreign player to grace the Prem. I’d go so far as to say he’s one of the top 5 players I’ve had the luxury of watching in their prime. You can’t say enough about his abilities or quality, both on and off the field.

And £16 million bought him. £16m for Henry’s service, when he’s still yet to turn 30 and with 3 years remaining on the deal he signed with Arsenal after last season. At best, that's a little low, and at worst, it's a joke. Charlton wants more for Darren Bent. We live in a strange world. Yes, Henry’s much more injury-prone than he used to be and has lost a couple of steps, but he’s still one of the best players in the world when on form. And Spain should suit his gloriously.

I hate to keep harping on it, but if Henry had been sold last summer, Arsenal would have earned more than double what they are now. Various media reports from last summer quoted David Dein saying that the Gunners had turned down two £50m+ bids before Henry resigned. I know the majority of you can do the math, but £50m is a fair bit more than £16m, especially considering Henry’s impact this past season.

And while we’re on the topic of David Dein, I do believe his leaving is less of a reason for Henry’s departure than he’s given credit for, but it can’t be overlooked, simply because of the relationship between the two. Dein’s son is one of Henry’s main agents, and Henry was the best man at Darren Dein’s wedding. Still, had Henry wanted to stay, he would have, with or without Dein. I just can’t put so much credence into the actions of one director. No matter how close an ally, an executive leaving cannot be the end-all, be-all for Henry at Arsenal. I also still reckon that sooner or later, Stan Kroenke is going to take control of Arsenal by hook or crook, and Dein won’t be out of a job for very long.

Wenger is a bit of a different case. I have no doubt that the media reports are right, and Wenger will see out the final year of his contract, but beyond that, your guess is as good as mine. And Henry knew that. Players that might replace Henry will the funds Arsenal will receive will also know that. I can’t wait to see how that plays out, especially when Real Madrid puts the full-court press on Wenger for his services. Which will be nice, having Arsene wooed through the media instead of Rafa for a change.

I am, however, fairly certain that Wenger is fine with Henry’s exit. In all probability, he’s the man who negotiated Henry’s transfer to Barca. Not to mention there’s a long history of Wenger getting rid of players around their 30th birthday or when they start to fade, whichever comes first: Vieira, Petit, Overmars, and Pires immediately spring to mind. Arsenal will have to buy some form of replacement, with only two proven strikers on the books and Aliadiere and Baptista on their way out. But in van Persie and Adebayor, the Gunners have two very good strikers that Wenger is very fond of, and I honestly don’t know how much money will actually be spent on Henry’s successor.

As a fan of the game, I’m saddened to see a player of this quality leaving England. It truly is the end of an era. But, as a fan of Liverpool, which I never tire of saying comes first and foremost, I’m thrilled to be seeing the back of him. He’s scored something like 9 goals against Liverpool in his career at Arsenal, including a hat trick in 2004 and a brace in 2006 that I’ll always have trouble forgetting.

Now the transfer market should get good. Barca will be selling (who, I have no idea, but something has got to give), Arsenal will be buying, and everyone’s aware of this. This will kick the summer into a higher gear for sure. Although I can’t say I’m thrilled that another major English team will be in the market for a striker.

For shits and giggles, below is my favorite goal from Henry. It’s not a belter, but I can’t think of a better way to remember his Premier League stint. It’s pure Henry: clever and class. Both qualities will be dearly missed, even by the opposition.

Liverpool 0-1 Barcelona (agg 2-2)

Eidur Gudjohnsen had to make it nerve-wracking, but a 1-0 loss will more than suffice. Normally when Liverpool are dominant but don’t make their opportunities count, it’s a kick to the crotch, but the away goals rule is looking a pretty excellent rule right now. Liverpool had to defend staunchly, keep Barcelona from playing their game, control the tempo, and prevent two goals. They did all of those things, and it’s why they’re through to the next round.

But with 10 shots to Barca’s 1 in the first 45 minutes, you’d think Liverpool would have settled the tie before halftime. Riise narrowly missed wide and thundered another off the bar before 15 minutes were off the clock. The crossbar took another beating when Sissoko sent in a speculative volley with Valdes out of his goal, and later, Valdes was again called into action, saving from Bellamy and Kuyt before Puyol cleared Riise’s header off the line. All in the first half.

It took until Gudjohnsen’s entrance in the 71st minute for Barca to play with any real impetus. For the majority of the game, it looked as if Liverpool were the team behind. When Barca had possession, they frequently passed across the backline looking for an opening until the Anfield crowd started to boo. Ronaldinho’s chance in the 53rd minute, where he turned Carragher, ran past Arbeloa and hit the post, was the only other time Barca truly threatened until Gudjohnsen rounded Reina in the 75th minute. Which set up a fun final 15 minutes.

Even with the 0-1 scoreline, I feel secure in saying the team was excellent for the most part. Barcelona will continue to have nightmares about Momo Sissoko, who covered the entire pitch, closed down Barcelona players immediately, opened up the field with an improved eye for the pass, and made himself a general nuisance, to put it gently. It’s an absolute shame he picked up a yellow card that rules him out of the next match, but it’s a testament to his growing maturity that the early yellow did nothing to upset the rest of his game.

Carragher and Agger were also again immense at the back. For me it's a toss up as to who's man of the match, Carra or Momo. Carragher made his usual last-ditch tackles superbly and with aplomb, but Agger defendly strongly as well (Finnan too), and both were dominant in the air, an aspect of their games that had been questioned in the past. Gerrard was also excellent, bursting down the right early on, and driving Liverpool forward late in the game when Barca could have gotten a second. Liverpool got good work down both sides of the pitch; both Riise and Gerrard bombed forward, but got back to defend and in getting back to defend, prevented the triumvirate of Ronaldinho, Messi, and Eto’o from really getting into the game.

And I must mention Kuyt as well, who was another that was absolutely everywhere on the field. He needs to have a greater scoring return to be a truly world-class forward, but his defense from the front and overall work rate were outstanding today. Adjectives truly do fail me. His harassment of Barca’s backline and midfield was a key component in keeping the Catalans from implementing their style of play on the match, and only later on, when players began to tire, did the game open up for Barca.

When the draw took place, there were long odds on Liverpool to go through to the next round. Now out of both domestic cups and the title race, it’s a small consolation to have beaten the Champions League holders and progress to the final 8, but a consolation nonetheless. Friday’s draw will see who Liverpool face in the quarter-finals, but on the performance over the last two legs, they’ll be confident in whomever they face. Which can only be a good thing, both in Europe and to see out the rest of the league campaign.

Liverpool v Barcelona 03.06.2007

2:45pm. Available in the US on espn2.

Liverpool leads 2-1 on aggregate.

Barca is currently 2nd in La Liga

Champions League Group Stage results:
Liverpool: 2-3 Galatasaray (a); 2-0 PSV (h); 3-0 Bordeaux (h); 1-0 Bordeaux (a); 3-2 Gala (h); 0-0 PSV (a)
Barca: 2-0 Werder Bremen (h); 2-0 Levski Sofia (a); 2-2 Chelsea (h); 0-1 Chelsea (a); 1-1 Bremen (a); 5-0 Levski (h)

Goal scorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Crouch 5; Garcia 3; Bellamy, Fowler, Gerrard 2; Gonzalez, Riise 1
Barca: Deco, Gudjohnsen, Guily, Iniesta, Ronaldinho 2; Eto’o, Messi, Puyol 1

European History:
Liverpool: European Cup/Champions League 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005; UEFA Cup 1973, 1976, 2001; UEFA Super Cup 1977, 2001, 2005
Barca: European Cup/Champions League 1992, 2006; Cup Winners Cup 1979, 1982, 1989, 1997; UEFA Super Cup 1992, 1997

Referee: Herbert Fandel (GER)

It’s seemingly easier to pick Barca’s line-up than Liverpool’s, as their line-up and formation is fairly set in stone when fit. I’d imagine it will look something like:

Valdes
Oleguer Thuram Puyol Zambrotta
Deco Edmilson Xavi
Messi Eto’o Ronaldinho

My complete guess of a lineup:
Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio
Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Riise
Crouch, Bellamy

In contrast, I’ve got little clue how Liverpool’s going to look. One thought is that there’s no reason to deviate from the squad that won at Camp Nou. Another is that Liverpool will play with a 5-man midfield and a lone striker in an attempt to better keep possession. However, I just can’t see Liverpool deviating from the 4-4-2 or maintaining the exact same squad. What worked last time won’t necessarily work at Anfield, with changes in Barca’s squad and a completely different atmosphere and motif for the game, but this formation is how Liverpool’s been the most successful this season. Yes, even with Gerrard on the right…

I’m also of two minds as to which forwards to play, as usual. Bellamy was the best player on the pitch in the last match, Kuyt is an ever-present, and Crouch, who had postponed surgery on his broken nose to be available for this game and the United debacle, is the leading scorer in Europe and would seemingly give Liverpool more opportunity to maintain possession. Because of Crouchy’s height and ability to hold up the ball, I’ve gone for him over Kuyt. Kuyt hasn’t sat out a game since the Carling Cup match against Arsenal, and even though I didn’t think he had a poor game against United (his first touch was actually better than it had been in recent matches), he’s the one I’m leaving out.

Both Aurelio and Arbeloa (included over Finnan) make my squad because of their familiarity and success playing Barcelona. No more, no less. And it's just a hunch. Finnan has started every first-team game I can think of, and it would be odd to see him dropped now, but Arbeloa arrived with fanfare for defending Ronaldinho, and not only does Aurelio offer another (much needed) option for free kicks, he’s also more than familiar with Barca’s attack.

As has been said since the final whistle last leg, this tie is far from over. Barca has the ability to score goals in buckets, no matter who they’re playing. And Eto’o will add another dimension to Barca’s attack that Liverpool must be ready for, full fitness or not. His movement with Ronaldinho and Messi offers so much more than Saviola or Gudjohnsen, not to mention he’s quicker and defends from the front better.

It’s been good to see both the team and fans both keyed up for and stoic about this game; the atmosphere at Anfield will really be a 12th man. I detest this cliché, but it’s true, it has influenced teams before, and it will here. And heads must be kept out of the clouds, as Benitez seemingly has done so far, because at 2-1, the tie is far from won.

Roll on Barca.

Liverpool 2-1 Barcelona

How do I phrase this? I’m fucking ecstatic. Yeah, that’ll do.

The formation was a bit of a surprise, once again proving Rafa Benitez is completely unable to predict, and a fairly good tactician to boot. It looked like a standard 4-4-2, with Gerrard on the right, Riise in midfield, and most surprisingly, Arbeloa at left back. In my defense, I had no clue Arbeloa’s versatility extended to playing on the left flank, and there was also the hype from his last time out against Ronaldinho. This is why I very, very infrequently question the gaffer, especially in Europe.

But early on, questions over the starting line-up, which Sky Sports incessantly harped on before the game, looked valid. Honestly, it seemed like it could be a horror show the way it started. Liverpool had an opening in the first five minutes, but after that Barca looked like they could run riot. In the 14th minute, with Liverpool scrambling at the back, Arbeloa was drawn inside and Riise couldn’t get back quick enough, and Deco put a free header into the bottom right corner from Zambrotta's pretty cross.

And the onslaught didn’t stop. Barca continued to look dangerous, Liverpool continued to rack up silly fouls giving Barca free kicks (how fussy was that ref?), and a second goal looked likely. But against the run of play, two minutes before halftime, Liverpool drew level. After another nothing foul, this time going Liverpool’s way, the free kick found Ronaldinho lagging in getting back, and the cross in from the right, in acres of space, found Bellamy at the back post. His header caught Valdes off-balance, and both the keeper and the ball slid backwards over the line. In any event, Kuyt was there for the rebound. Poor keeping, but Liverpool will obviously take it any way it comes.

The goal certainly unsettled the home team, and they were never able to impose themselves as they did in the first half. And Liverpool took advantage. They grew in stature throughout the second half, and the summation of Barca’s disarray was in the 68th minute, when Victor Valdes picked up a back pass in his penalty area. Gerrard’s free kick was saved, Kuyt then headed over, and there was always the feeling Barca could nick one on the counter (an omnipresent feeling when Barca’s playing and when Liverpool’s away), but the second goal came soon after in the 72nd minute. Marquez attempted to head clear after Kuyt’s first touch was blocked off by Valdes, and it fell right to Bellamy, who coolly found Riise open, and John Arne made no mistake.

And how lovely is it that Bellamy and Riise scored the goals, with Bellamy assisting on Riise’s. Just goes to show that the Liverpool tradition of bust-ups before big wins lives on. It had to be them, didn’t it? And Riise with his right foot…

As before the second goal, there was still a fear Barca could snatch one. As happened the majority of the game, they received free kicks for offenses that certainly wouldn’t be fouls in England, and Deco put one off the post, but it wasn’t to be, and Liverpool held on for the final 20 or so minutes.

It’s tough to pick out a man of the match, but I’m going with Sissoko, who did everything asked of him in midfield. Barca got very little in the center of the park after halftime. Both Xavi and Motta were taken off, and it was partly due to his influence, although Rijkaard is going to be absolutely excoriated in the Spanish media for his changes. But Sissoko tackled like a madman, and it was utterly frightening to see him go off with 10 minutes left. I’ve not seen anything on his injury yet, let’s hope it doesn’t take the gloss off of tonight.

Also, Carragher was also immense at the back, cutting out a lot of opportunities, while Reina was also quick to the ball and in form. Bellamy looked threatening running at pace at Barca's backline, and it was a superb assist for Riise's goal, in addition to his own. Arbeloa and Riise made up for early mistakes, and Riise once again showed he’s better in big games and up in midfield. Agger showed a much cooler head and quicker feet than against Newcastle. There’s little criticism of anyone in the team today, and it’s hard to single players out for praise. Pleased all around.

This is a great result for Liverpool, and I’m absolutely over the moon, but it’s worth remembering there’s still a second leg. Yes, it’s to be played at Anfield, but this is Barcelona we’re talking about. They have the ability to undo anyone, anywhere. But a 2-1 advantage is a far shout better than 1-2, 0-0, or 1-1, any of which I probably would have taken before the game. Thankfully, you can't settle for scorelines beforehand.

The second leg should certainly be a treat.

Liverpool at Barcelona 2.21.2007

2:45pm. Available in the US on Setanta Sports and ESPN Deportes.

Barca is currently 1st in La Liga on goal difference.

Champions League Group Stage results:
Liverpool: 2-3 Galatasaray (a); 2-0 PSV (h); 3-0 Bordeaux (h); 1-0 Bordeaux (a); 3-2 Gala (h); 0-0 PSV (a)
Barca: 2-0 Werder Bremen (h); 2-0 Levski Sofia (a); 2-2 Chelsea (h); 0-1 Chelsea (a); 1-1 Bremen (a); 5-0 Levski (h)

Goal scorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Crouch 5; Garcia 3; Fowler, Gerrard 2; Bellamy, Gonzalez 1
Barca: Gudjohnsen, Guily, Iniesta, Ronaldinho 2; Deco, Eto’o 1 Messi, Puyol 1

European History:
Liverpool: European Cup/Champions League 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005; UEFA Cup 1973, 1976, 2001; UEFA Super Cup 1977, 2001, 2005
Barca: European Cup/Champions League 1992, 2006; Cup Winners Cup 1979, 1982, 1989, 1997; UEFA Super Cup 1992, 1997

Referee: Kyros Vassaras (GRE)

Feels like there’s little need to do a “key players” section for Barca. I imagine you’ve heard of Ronaldinho, Deco, Xavi or Puyol. Eto’o is nearing full fitness, and despite the spat with Rijkaard over whether or not he’s ready to play in the past two games, he should play here, if only as a sub due to a lack of match fitness. This game is probably why he’s wanted to rest. Messi’s also returned from injury, coming on as a sub in the last two matches.

My guess of a lineup:
Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise
Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko
Kuyt, Crouch, Bellamy

Fair warning that this is more of a complete shot in the dark than this guessing game usually is.

It looks like a 4-3-3 but it probably won’t be. Bellamy and Kuyt should play wider than usual and all three strikers will probably defend more often, and if we’re sticking to description by formation, it would look like 4-3-3, 4-4-2, or 4-5-1 depending on the situation. Due to the injuries on the left side, and the fact that games don’t come much larger than this, these are the 11 best players in the squad and they should be on the pitch. The formation will work itself out as long as everyone knows their roles. Which Benitez usually makes certain.

But just to hedge my bets, I’ll also mention that I debated guessing a nominal 3-5-2, with Hyypia in for Crouch and Finnan and Riise in wing back roles. I still could go either way, and expect the real line-up to be one of the two options. But Hyypia’s pace worries me, because if Carra and/or Agger push too far up the field to support the attack, the speed of Barca’s attack could undo the defense in a flash.

In addition, this formation would necessitate one of the three strikers on the bench, and honestly, I can’t bring myself to leave any of them out. Even though it’s probably unfair given his goal drought in Europe so far, I always see Kuyt as one of the first names on the teamsheet. Crouch was bought for games like this, critical away games where holding up the ball is essential. Also, he’s played far more often in Europe as of late, where his height is more of an advantage than in the physical Premier League. And Bellamy should figure (despite whatever nonsense you’ve read recently) due to Liverpool needing to use his pace on the counter attack (over/under: 4 offsides) and Barca’s vulnerability to speedy forwards. Valencia playing long balls over the top was their main line of attack on Sunday, and I imagine Bellamy will be employed in a similar manner.

As an aside, Mascherano has finally received clearance from the FA, but I highly doubt he’ll make his debut in this game.

I really do feel that this line-up gives Liverpool the best chance of an away goal, which will probably be essential. Of course I’d be more than satisfied with a 0-0 draw, but when Barca is under pressure, as in the Champions League games against Chelsea and Bremen to close out the group stage, they’ve come through. An away goal will give Liverpool another advantage and even more of an opportunity to turn over Barca at Anfield.