Barcelona made easy work of cannon fodder Cordoba in the early kick-off away from home. The Catalans ran out 8-0 winners (watch all goals and highlights here) without barely breaking a sweat as Luis Suarez got his first ever hat-trick in a Barca shirt.
Here are 3 points to ponder from Barcelona’s victory on Saturday:
1) Barca can pump goals without even breaking a sweat
Luis Enrique knew that Cordoba had everything to play for in their bid to maintain their top flight status and hence named a squad which was arguably Barca’s strongest.
The home side put up a spirited performance in the first half to trouble the visitors. But in truth, Barca never went full throttle, patiently waiting for their moment to pounce, which they knew would come sooner or later.
The Catalans had their foot off the gas for significant periods but their accurate passing and deadly finishing saw them simply embarrass the opposition. Champion stuff, especially from our fantastic Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar trident.
2) Barcelona have found the key to unlock ultra-defensive units
The Blaugrana were known strugglers when faced against sides who put multiple men behind the ball and sit deep into their own half.
In 2015, it has been a completely different scenario. The opposition had set themselves up in a typical counter attacking system with all 11 players in their own half when Barca had the ball. The five Cordoba defenders were simply outnumbering the Catalan front three. But make no mistake, this side also has aerial threat to it.
Although the move for the first goal began with some luck with Alves’ fluffed shot falling into Suarez’s path, with the No. 9 playing it to Messi, it was again that aerial ball into the box by Messi, something which was not so characteristic until last season, that found Rakitic who volleyed the ball into the net, opening the floodgates.
So instead of patiently waiting for gaps to exploit, Barca now revert to playing the ball aerially leaving rocks of defenders to bite the dust.
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3) Dani Alves stepping up at last
In the midst of the unending speculation regarding his future at the club, it was vintage Dani Alves on the pitch, showcasing the skills that made him such a top class full back.
He had been loathed a lot regarding his crosses, but he delivered two pinpoint crosses to set up two goals — one for Messi and the other for Suarez.
There is no better time to face Bayern Munich now.
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