FC Barcelona vs Bate Borisov : Talking points from the game

FC Barcelona took on Bate Borisov in the second leg of the Champions League fixture between these two clubs and the home side secured a comfortable win by a score of 3-0. Here are our talking points from the game.

• Barcelona are having a really tough time with the injuries

Barcelona are having a hard time with the management of their personnel this season given the lack of depth they have due to the imposed FIFA Ban. And to make the matters worse , they are facing serious injuries trouble as of lately. As Andres Iniesta returned from his injury, another first team midfielder Ivan Rakitic got injured due to a calf problem. Barca fan will be praying for his injury to be a non-serious given the Clasico in just knocking the doors.

• Suarez and Neymar have really stepped up in Messi’s absence

Well, you can’t really replace somebody like Lionel Messi but Barca players really stepped up their game to negate the effect of his injury most notably of all Neymar Jr and Luis Suarez. The duo has been phenomenal in the recent games with the pair scoring the last 16 goals for Barca having an equal share in that number. Neymar has particularly been one of the leaders for the club’s attacking as he has been creating, dribbling, taking free-kicks and penalties- Surely a future ballon d’Or winner.

• Bate tried but couldn’t execute

It was all an issue for the home team to not make any mistakes to see off any upset and that what exactly happened. The visitors didn’t see the ball for much of the game and that reflected in some of their frustrated tackles on some of the red and blue men. They did raised a warning after beating AS Roma in their previous group fixture but today seemed to be a foregone story for them.

• Barca look to be in a good shape before the Clasico

Luis Enrique seems to be preparing his team well before the biggest of the big fixtures – El Clasico . Defense was a serious problem for Barca this season but they seem to be improving on that front having kept three clean sheets in the last 3 games. Also, their attack has been great and their midfield has too been bolstered by the return of Andres Iniesta. Barca have their chances even if Messi doesn’t recovers in time for this high-profile game.

• Sergio Busquets is the best defensive midfielder in the world

The Spaniard is playing some of his best football at the moment as he has been absolutely fantastic both defensively and while attacking. Some of the interceptions he makes are so vital which thwart the opposition’s attack even before they start. One of the most under-rated players in the world, Busquets will play a big role if Barca are to become the first team to successfully defend the Champion League.