Leo Messi hands Barcelona a 3-0 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s stranded Liverpool.
This game was no question a close one (disregarding the scoreline). Liverpool showed their confidence by using their counter-attacks and short passes to move up the field and create chances. However, they were unlucky in their efforts as Ter Stegen and his posts stood tall and firmly kept out all attempts.
Barcelona’s first goal came from brilliance as Jordi Alba played a pass in behind Liverpool’s back line to Suarez who timed his run perfectly. There was not much Liverpool could have done for the next two goals as one came from a glorious free-kick from yours truly, Leo Messi. Liverpool continued to reach for the away goal but were unsuccessful as the Catalan giants closed down every player.
You could see on Klopp’s smiling face after Messi’s last goal that there was not much his side could do to contain the Catalan power. In this piece, we will comment on our personal thoughts and analysis of the outcome of this fixture.
Lucas Donnaperna thoughts on the fixture:
We can all agree that this match was an action-packed thriller as Leo Messi scores his 600th career goal. The game didn’t start off as dominant as the scoreline might suggest, in fact, Liverpool looked the more likely team to win, with their hungry approach to winning possession and closing players down.
Barcelona didn’t play their classic possession-type game as they normally do which has a huge impact on the result of this game. Both teams played a similar style of football; high-press, short and quick passes is what led both teams to each other’s final third.
You could tell Klopp’s side prepared for a fast-paced game as each player looked energetic throughout the match. Quite entertaining to watch two teams with two similar styles of play go head-to-head.