Gleefully expected the match between Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona. The time form of both teams, setting, environment, quality of the players, coaches category and a universal deluge, gathered unique ingredients to form an epic duel. It was curious to see how players from both teams shook hands just before starting the game with a big smile on his face. Their faces seemed to say: "We have the raw material. Let's enjoy ourselves. "
And the result far exceeded expectations. Final score 2-2 in one of the best games, if not the best-far this season. An intense game, a fast-paced, in which either of the two teams has been overcome. With the rain has not stopped at any time to add more heroic to meet, despite the state of the pitch could be invited to play hard, both teams have shown maximum respect.
Guardiola leapt with a once overcrowded midfield, with the intention to strengthen their game in the middle. Cesc as false nine, with Adriano at left back and Messi with the freedom that is generally available. Controlling the game is always a priority for this club, and this time would not be so. However, Bielsa was able to place their pieces to disable those combinations that clutter Catalans dizzying any network defense. One of the keys was in the individual marking Xavi De Marcos, that never was comfortable on the pitch.
The Athletic Club, true to its competitive identity, not content to stop Barca, also wanted to hurt him. It was the first to strike with an inmate down the left flank of Susaeta after Mascherano slip, which continued with a pass to the front for Ander Herrera, who calmly placed the ball as the goal of Victor Valdes, breaking his streak unbeaten. The boat was on the ropes, but as the great champions, knew a few minutes to recover. Abidal center from the left, Cesc hook it with a header in the squad that have signed the best center forward.
The lawn was holding a great time considering I was falling, but after the break the difficulties were compounded significantly. The appearance of puddles turned the ball movement impossible task, and almost mean some trouble for both. The Athletic Club learned to read well the conditions of the meeting, and made the more physical effort of his football hero. However, the club refused to alter his style. Too many passes, too many attempts at combination, wanting to get almost to the small area in such conditions was an ordeal. It's football, is your identity, which has won all these years. But this time it was the stage for frills, but for crimping the shot as soon as they give occasion.
Muniain, true to his new role leading to the orders of Bielsa, did not disappoint. He just enough to raise the ball, hide and create a danger that only knew blaugrana lag braking faults. The draft brighter star every time. And in one of his plays, caused another error Mascherano, who tried to cedérsela Valdés from midfield to finish sending a corner. San Mamés aware of the opportunity roared as if he'd give them a penalty. And almost. In that corner, do not really know how, but from Llorente, Pique Abidal and the ball ended up in the nets.
It was 80 minutes. It seemed that the club would fall in the Cathedral. Guardiola had already introduced all the artillery on the pitch with Villa, Alexis and even Thiago. But except for some occasion of Asturias, Gorka not seen in excessive trouble. Athletic Rush was holding well Catalans, and between Llorente and Muniain put out every long ball a great deal of oxygen to the rest of the team.
Already in the discount, when it seemed that the result would not change, Amorebieta was dismissed for a second yellow in a lack somewhat unnecessary. And on the next play, despite Bielsa settings, a serious error of understanding between Gorka and defense ended with Messi placing tables on the scoreboard. A painful end to the locals, but for football epic. For a party so disputed, so much sacrifice, so epic, there could be no better ending to a division of spoils.
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