Everyone can stop worrying about whether or not Barcelona are a dominant team. It looks like the Blaugranas are going to be just fine. They absolutely stomped all over a generally decent Atletico Madrid side on Saturday night, winning by a final score of 5-0 without ever really going into top gear. Lionel Messi scored a hat trick from open play and forced an own goal as well, putting in a performance that would have been exceptional for anyone else. But Messi? He didn't even look like he was trying.
Barcelona Vs. Atletico Madrid Live, 2011 La Liga: Full Time, Blaugranas Coast To Easy Win
Conventional wisdom has been that Daniel Alves and his lack of defensive discipline would be undoing of Barca's 3-4-3 system that they like to play occasionally based on opposition and available personnel. Alves started at right central defense on Saturday and was fantastic, defending well and never getting caught out of position. Yes, Dani Alves, playing defense and never getting caught out of position. Tomorrow: The Apocalypse!
Besides the hat trick by Messi and the own goal he created, the other goal was scored in brilliant fashion by David Villa, assisted by Xavi. On the night, Atleti had 30% possession and only managed two shots on target. Sound about right?
La Liga suddenly looks like a two horse race once again. Surprise!
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