Roth Regatta

After a disappointing 2-1 defeat by Rubin Kazan in the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona made an astounding recovery this week, crushing Real Zaragoza 6-1. With the impressive win, Barça maintains its top position in the Spanish League with 22 pionts. Real Madrid, Barcaelona’s closest rival, follows at 3 points behind. The match, played in Barça’s home territory, began with the locals showing their weaknesses. Zaragoza took advantage, increasing their defensive play, but just a few minu

tes later the Catalans raised their level of play. The championship team had returned, and Barça picked up its characteristic smooth style of attack and defense. Barça gained absolute control over the ball. Zaragoza, perhaps slightly stunned by the turnaround, tried repeatedly – and unsuccessfully – to recover possession. The team turned to a defensive stance, unable to find any routes of attack and the players unable to find a balance in their game. Juan Pablo Carrizo, the goalkeeper of the A

ragon squad, struggled to defend his net; Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic began with dangerous plays, intending to open the score. Carrizo was able to hold them off successfully – until minute 24. Then, Xavi Hernandez sent a corner kick to Messi, who, taking advantage of Zaragoza’s weak defense sent a pass to teammate Seydou Keita. Keita accurately headed the ball and sent a shot to the bottom of Carrizo’s net. Barcelona took the lead, but the players weren’t about to drop their defens

es; they were vigilant in keeping Zaragoza out of their area. Five minutes later, Barça displayed again its powerful cadre of champions. Ibrahimovic moved forward and sent a powerful shot towards a defenseless Carrizo to put the score at 2-0. At minute 41, Keita appeared to put the game at 3-0 with his second goal of the game. With his point, the first half ended in clear favor of Barcelona. Zaragoza entered the second half more tentatively; intimidated by the overwhelming pressure they were subjected to by the Catalans. Barcelona, on the other hand, was looking to redeem itself with a strong rout. After a nullified goal, Ibrahimovic made his second goal of the game to put the score at 4-0. Zaragoza was, by this time, completely overwhelmed, and helpless before the Spanish champions, who surged forward towards every opportunity to score. After a failed shot from Messi – one Carrizo finally cleared – Zaragoza advanced to score their first and only goal of the game, in minute 78. But, two minutes later, the ball was once again at Messi’s feet, which skillfully sent the ball back to Carrizo’s net. Keita then made his third goal of the game 6 minutes later, setting the score at 6-1 to close the game. “We put in a perfect performance and we were clearly deserved winners,” club president Joan Laporta said. “The players were especially motivated after Tuesday’s result and they showed tonight that that was just a slip-up. There’s a long way to go in the league yet. We are playing well and with the same attitude we showed last year – humility and sacrifice. We are on the right track”.