Barca launch defence with 5-0 thrashing
Guardiola’s men lead Villareal rout in their league opener.
BARCELONA:
Champions Barcelona produced the perfect response to bitter rivals Real Madrid as they overwhelmed Champions League qualifiers Villarreal 5-0 in their La Liga opener.
The match saw a double by Lionel Messi plus goals on their league debuts for Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez after an opener from Thiago came just a day after Real had thrashed Real Zaragoza 6-0.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was delighted with the manner in which his side kept a strong opposition forward line at bay.
“We only had one defender and the idea was that we would play the ball around with a lot of players in the centre of the pitch,” he said. “Following the Super Cups this was a tough game to start the season.”
Guardiola was all praise for Fabregas’ performance, who scored a vital goal, which again confirmed the impression that he has fitted in following his move from Arsenal.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2011.
Champions Barcelona produced the perfect response to bitter rivals Real Madrid as they overwhelmed Champions League qualifiers Villarreal 5-0 in their La Liga opener.
The match saw a double by Lionel Messi plus goals on their league debuts for Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez after an opener from Thiago came just a day after Real had thrashed Real Zaragoza 6-0.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was delighted with the manner in which his side kept a strong opposition forward line at bay.
“We only had one defender and the idea was that we would play the ball around with a lot of players in the centre of the pitch,” he said. “Following the Super Cups this was a tough game to start the season.”
Guardiola was all praise for Fabregas’ performance, who scored a vital goal, which again confirmed the impression that he has fitted in following his move from Arsenal.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2011.