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3 things we learned: FC Barcelona vs Juventus 2017/18 Champions League

By Benjamin Barkworth

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 12: Sergio Busquets of Barcelona is put under pressure from Paulo Dybala of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Camp Nou on September 12, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 12: Sergio Busquets of Barcelona is put under pressure from Paulo Dybala of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Camp Nou on September 12, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images. /

Messi dismantles

The Argentinian superstar had another great performance to add to his long list.  Juventus kept their shape well and restricted Barcelona’s interplay in the final third. They effectively crowded players with Lionel Messi being targeted whenever he had space in central areas. For the majority of the first half, La Vecchia Signora limited Messi to one chance which was a blocked free kick. However, they couldn’t deny him forever.

In the 45th minute, Barça were able to quickly transition up the pitch with Messi receiving the ball in the opposition half. He ran into space and used Jordi Alba’s wide run as a dummy in order to play a one-two with Luis Suárez before firing a precise shot into the corner from the edge of the box.

Next: Nelson Semedo amazed by his teammates

The game opened up in the second half as Juventus took more risks. However, this allowed Messi more space in dangerous areas. Early in the second half, he fired a shot from just outside the box which was denied by the woodwork. He was involved in the second goal as he received the ball in space on the right flank; his pass across was blocked by Stefano Sturaro but Ivan Rakitić was able to finish the rebound.

He also had a free kick saved by Buffon, but the Italian legend couldn’t stop his next shot on target. Andrés Iniesta found him with a lovely through ball on a quick counter-attack. Messi ran into the centre of the box past two defenders as Ousmane Dembélé distracted the defenders with a dummy run. He then proceeded to trick Buffon with his body shape as he fired into the opposite corner. It was a wonderful goal to top off his performance.

Stats according to WhoScored.com.