Barcelona wrapped up the eighth and final spot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, defeating Chelsea 3-0 in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie at the Camp Nou.
Another fabulous performance from Lionel Messi was the difference, as he bagged a brace — and his 100th Champions League goal — in the victory.
Here are five takeaways from the match.
1. Majestic Messi
There are few superlatives left to describe Lionel Messi.
The man known as La Pulga Atomica (The Atomic Flea) was untrappable on Wednesday. Messi’s 100th Champions League goal is another career feat, but the Argentine’s breathtaking vision was a joy to watch.
At the two-minute mark, Messi laid off a pass at the top of the box for Ousmane Dembele and darted into the box. The ball ricocheted off Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso to Luis Suarez, who recognized Messi’s run and knocked it into his path before firing between Thibaut Courtois’s legs at his near post to open the scoring. That in itself was a brilliant sequence.
However, it was the second Barcelona goal that exemplified Messi’s intelligence. Just when Chelsea grabbed control of the match and carved through the Barcelona midfield, Messi decided that he’d seen enough. He capitalized on a turnover, beat Cesar Azpilicueta twice on the dribble, and made a no-look pass across the pitch towards an onrushing Dembele, who fired past Courtois.
Messi receives plenty of deserved plaudits for his scoring. But his vision might be his most jaw-dropping attribute. With several bodies around him, he has the ability to pick out a pass that very few people recognize. The diminutive superstar knew Dembele would be sprinting down the right and timed the ball perfectly. That’s what sets him apart from the rest.
2. Kante dazzles, Fabregas underwhelms
N’Golo Kante, who covers plenty of ground, thrived against a free-flowing Barca while a less mobile Cesc Fabregas struggled. That’s not a coincidence.
Kante took a few minutes to impose himself on the game. Once he did, the Frenchman was terrorizing Sergio Busquets, arguably the best holding midfielder in the world. When Busquets pushed up, Kante seamlessly dribbled past him. His distribution was sharp, completing 46 passes, while consistently winning back possession for the Blues.
Fabregas, on the other hand, was exposed due to his poor defensive qualities. He was targeted by Barca and the players constantly ran past the Spaniard. If there are two midfielders who can defend or cover lots of ground, that allows him to roam forward and unlock defences with his passing, which is where he thrives. With only two in the centre of the pitch for Chelsea, this was not possible.
3. Dembele back on big stage
Ousmane Dembele was added by Barcelona in the summer for more than €100 million. This was only Dembele’s 12th game, and his sixth start, in all competitions since leaving Borussia Dortmund.
Dembele tore his hamstring in September which was supposed to keep him out until January. Ten days after his return, the Frenchman was forced to miss an additional four weeks with another tear. Add on the pressure of the big-money move, the change in culture and the fact he’s only 20 years old, it was a lot for the youngster to handle.
However, thanks to Barcelona’s incredible form this season, Dembele has eased his way back into the team. Deployed on his preferred right flank, his combinations with Messi were key in breaking through Chelsea’s defence. The confidence in his finish was noticeable as well.
Dembele shined against Real Madrid and Monaco in the Champions League last season for Dortmund. He was a major contributor for Thomas Tuchel’s side, producing six goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga. The pace, trickery, technique and vision convinced Barca to pay more than €100 million. Now the talent is shining through.
4. Unassuming Umtiti brilliant again
There are few players on a big club who receives as little attention as Samuel Umtiti.
The French centre-back was excellent in another big game for Barcelona. He shut down Eden Hazard and Olivier Giroud, plus he restricted Willian, who was great in the first leg.
Umtiti plays with assurance in his game. When he completes a defensive action, he’s in the correct position and deals with the danger. It’s rarely a last-ditch tackle or a block off the line. Perhaps that’s why the 24 year old is not widely recognized.
5. Worry over Busquets?
This was not Sergio Busquets’ best match. Kante was outrunning him throughout the game, and the Spanish international had to exit the game with an injury early in the second half.
However, credit Chelsea for attacking with pace and forcing Busquets to roam from his position. When Barca is in control and plays at its own pace, then the midfielder’s best qualities are on display. Ask him to run up and down the pitch, he will be less effective.
If the injury is serious, then it’s an obvious blow for Los Cules. Busquets’ calmness on the ball and reading of the game is essential for the midfield. If he cannot play in the quarter-finals and beyond, then Ernesto Valverde has a dilemma on his hands.
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