Viktoria Plzen did not create a single shot and only had 23 percent of the possession, but this was not a typical dominant FC Barcelona performance. The Blaugranas were made to work for most of the game, as the Czech champions defended expertly for the majority of the game, keeping Barcelona from capitalizing on their possession and chances for the most part. In a group where goal differential could be the deciding factor between Plzen and BATE Borisov for a place in the Europa League knockout stages, the visitors will likely go home please with their respectable 2-0 loss at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona Vs. Viktoria Plzen, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Full Time, Blaugranes Frustrated But Win Comfortably
Andres Iniesta scored a brilliant opener in the 10th minute, but Barcelona failed to create clear-cut chances afterwards, and were regularly off target with their half chances. They could and should have been up by a higher margin at halftime, but walked into the locker room up just 1-0, leaving many wondering if Plzen could nick a garbage goal on the counter and rob a point from their opponents.
To start the second half, Plzen were much better, defending expertly and stopping Barcelona from creating chances. The breakthrough came eventually, though, and the Blaugranas sealed their win in the 82nd minute. Lionel Messi had a close-range shot saved by Marek Cech after running onto a pass by David Villa, but the striker followed up his pass and pounced on the rebound, shooting into an open net to clinch the three points for Barcelona.
For more on Barcelona vs. Victoria Plzen and anything else about the Blaugranas, check out FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes.
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