Well, maybe this isn't a two horse race after all? Okay, so that's a little bit of hyperbole, but Valencia are looking like a team that is very much able to compete with the big two. They lead Barcelona by a score of 2-1 at halftime at the Mestalla, and it's a well deserved league as well. They've at least matched Barcelona in individual play, while Unai Emery has completely out-coached Pep Guardiola in terms of tactics.
Valencia Vs. Barcelona Live, 2011 La Liga: Halftime, Los Che Lead 2-1
Valencia's play has much more to do with the individual roles and assignments of players than selection choices or formation, which isn't exactly what the vast majority of people think about when they think of winning the tactical battle. Emery has selected a conventional XI in his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, but Barcelona have been unable to deal with the way he's overloaded the left-hand side. Left back Jeremy Mathieu has been brilliant getting forward, while central midfielder Ever Banega and attacking midfielder Sergio Canales have drifted left as well, drawing Barcelona's defensive players out of position.
This was apparent on both goals and another great chance that was badly missed. The opening goal was an own goal, scored by the incredibly out of position and generally woeful Eric Abidal. The French international left back is an absolutely world class player, but he's been downright shocking on the night so far. On a Jordi Alba cross, Abidal could have easily put the ball out for a corner with his right foot, but attempted a fancy clearance with his favored left. He failed miserably, putting the ball into his own net.
Barcelona answered quickly, thanks to the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Pedro. Messi provided the assist with a fantastic through ball into the box and Pedro pounced, hitting a great low and hard shot first time into the back of the net.
Abidal was once again at fault for Valencia’s second goal, getting drawn way out of position. As Los Che flooded the left yet again, Abidal drifted in towards the center of the penalty area. He tried to stop a Mathieu cross from getting to Pablo Hernandez at the far post, but failed, leaving Pablo completely unmarked with the ball at his feet. The right winger buried his shot, restoring Valencia’s lead.
Los Che should have taken a 3-1 lead minutes later, but Roberto Soldado scuffed his shot wide of the post while completely unmarked in front of an empty net. For all the talk about the bad miss that Fernando Torres committed at the weekend, this is the early candidate for miss of the season.
Surely Pep Guardiola will have some adjustments for the second half, right? He’ll need to come up with something. His team is second best.
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