TOPS
Messi, again and again
If Barça is not brilliant, and it was not this Saturday during their victory against Naples (3-1), in the knockout stages of the Champions League, Lionel Messi is there to ensure the show. Permanent danger for the Neapolitan rearguard, the six-fold Golden Ball made the nick of five defenders (!) To score Barcelona's second goal (23rd) before causing a penalty for the 3-0 (45 + 1). He could even have been credited with a double if the referee had not seen a hand that was not very obvious (see elsewhere). Of the great Messi, again. To see if the (involuntary) blow of Kalidou Koulibaly at the end of the first period will leave traces in view of Lisbon. In any case, the number 10 from Barcelona has finished the game.
De Jong, like a great
Deprived of Sergi Busquets, suspended, Quique Setien sent a trio De Jong-Roberto-Rakitic to the front in midfield. And the first named, rather disappointing for his first season in Barcelona after a rich transfer to 75 M € last summer, did honor to his status of future crack. Like this center from the outside of the foot for Messi (33rd), an authentic gem of individual technique, the young Dutch international (23 years old) made his class and his calm speak to dominate the debates in the middle. Radiant. We saw him comfortable with the ball, and applied to recovery. Fortunately, because Sergi Roberto and especially Ivan Rakitic (guilty on the Neapolitan penalty) did not do as well.
" READ ALSO - Barça does the job against Naples and will see Lisbon
FLOPS
Griezmann still discreet
Certainly, Antoine Griezmann is to be credited with an assist on the goal of his compatriot Clément Lenglet (10th). A corner perfectly executed by the world champion. For the rest, we again saw a discreet "Grizou", not really well served or sought by its partners and forced to come into the heart of the game to feel the leather. The discomfort is palpable. The outcome, not obvious ... Quique Setien finally replaced Griezmann in the 84th minute to give Monchu his first professional appearance with the pros. Antoine Griezmann's record since joining Barça last summer? 15 goals and 6 assists in 46 matches in all competitions.
The VAR does not regulate everything
The VAR at the heart of the game. Several questionable and contested decisions during this meeting, after a Juventus-Lyon at the end there were already things to say on Friday night ... And this from the 10th minute , with the goal of Clément Lenglet. Goal that should undoubtedly have been invalidated, the former Nancy player having been guilty of a stroller on a player from Naples to free himself from the marking. Not seen not caught. In the 33 minute, Messi's goal was denied for a hand. Except that the images broadcast by RMC do not make it possible to be absolutely certain that the Pulga actually made a mistake. And there is the penalty awarded to Barça (45 + 1), with Koulibaly who stumbles on Messi wanting to clear. It's awkward, anything but intentional, but it's obviously punishable. Obvious penalty. Except ... for the referees, who took several minutes to validate the decision, while that of Lenglet's goal was taken in a handful of seconds. Go figure!
Read also
- Champions League: schedule and results