jones wrote:

jones wrote:

Real play at the Mestalla today where they haven't won in like five years. Valencia will probably play a second string but would go 7 clear off Real who might even drop to 5th if Villarreal win their game later today

I've probably jinxed it now but that'd be fucking spectacular

Has any post like this ever worked out well in the history of anything ffs. Oh well they should thank Navas for keeping them in the game, even with half their starting XI rested Valencia gave Madrid a horrid time. Kondogbia looks the complete package nowadays

Real's last goal was very nice. 

Why would Valencia play 2nd string?

Just played 120 minutes in the CDR three days ago plus they have Barcelona 2x (semifinals) and Atletico in between coming up within the space of around a week starting next Wednesday.

If Marcelino manages to still be ahead of Real at the end of February he should get manager of the season ahead of Valverde in my opinion

jones wrote:

Just played 120 minutes in the CDR three days ago plus they have Barcelona 2x (semifinals) and Atletico in between coming up within the space of around a week starting next Wednesday.

If Marcelino manages to still be ahead of Real at the end of February he should get manager of the season ahead of Valverde in my opinion

Marcelino might be getting the Real job if he finishes higher than Real at the end of the season. 

That Kongdobia vs. Casemiro event was just hilarious:

Of course Messi scores with a freekick.

How did Coutinho play? Is he taking over Iniesta's role in midfield?

He didn't do anything noteworthy, started on the wing. Iniesta, Paulinho and Rakitic in the middle.

He looked better on his debut. Barca looked slow and lethargic the othe night. Probably due to Busquet's absence who speeds up their play with his 1 touch passing and/or the new midfield make up. Oh and they shouldn't be playing Coutinho on the right, he's far better on the left or in the centre

Barca at full strength?

----------Suarez----Messi--------
Coutinho-Busquets--Rakitic-Dembele
Alba-------Umtitti-Pique-----Semedo
------------Ter Stegen------------

Would be ridiculously good.

Iniesta in for Rakitic and I reckon you're there. Though Rakitic has been better this season than the last one, I feel.

I think the commentator said that this first half was the only half this season that Barcelona haven't had a shot on goal. Coquelin DM and Gabriel in defence. It's possible to get these guys to defend.

Umtiti has never had a bad game, what a defender. Surpassed Pique already.

I don't think Pique is that good, but Umtiti has probably been the best CB in the world this season.

Anfield 1884 wrote:

Umtiti has never had a bad game, what a defender. Surpassed Pique already.

Too hasty.
He may be performing better than Pique now but is not approaching the heights Pique did.
I watched him several times when he first joined and there were many a shaky performance.

Madrid drop points again. 18 behind Barca now. Continue as they are and Villareal might even pip them to 4th.

Barcelona vs Espanyol seemed to get spicy with Messi confronting one of their players and possibly some racist remarks made to Umtiti.

MistaT wrote:

Barcelona vs Espanyol seemed to get spicy with Messi confronting one of their players and possibly some racist remarks made to Umtiti.

Victor Sanchez was the cunt who kept kicking Messi all game. Also Sergio Garcia called Umtiti puto negro and apologised on instagram by saying that he's not racist because his wife is a gypsy and his brother-in-law is African-American, also said what's said on the pitch should stay on the pitch

They're such a scummy club, always have been. Not a fan of Piqué in general but I was delighted to see him score against them after their fans wished death on his children ffs.

That Yerry Mina fella is a tank.

Took Coquelin five games to get his first goal for Valencia after ₁₅₀ games or so without one for us

didn't realise barca were still unbeaten in the league. they didn't lose in the CL group stages either

have they lost any games at all this season?

They lost a match in Copa del Rey, but won on aggregate.

Yeah one game vs Espanyol. Reading the CL thread you'd have thought Barcelona were going through a severe crisis, though to be fair the match vs Chelsea was probably the worst they've played this season

Dembele is a bag of nerves for Barca, the price tag is affecting him big time

The remaining 10 were battering Girona for 5 when i last checked.
CRonaldo's scoring record is incredible but, somehow, Messi continues to be more amazing.

The co-commentator had no words and just laughed when this free kick went in

Messi with a brilliant freekick:
and Coutinho with the most Coutinho goal you'll see:

Apparently Suarez is now Barca's 6th highest scorer ever

Some awful defending there.