Barcelona 0-0 Juventus (Agg 0-3): 5 Talking Points - UEFA Champions League 2016/17
There was no stunning comeback this time.
Barcelona’s incredible heroics agains PSG all went in vain, as the Blaugrana limped out of the UEFA Champions League, defeated 3-0 by Juventus on aggregate. The Bianconeri turned in a stellar defensive display to limit Barcelona to a goalless draw, although the game was an absorbing contest to behold.
Here are 5 talking points from the game.
#1 Messi’s deep role is a waste of his talents
29 goals in 26 games.
With statistics like these, why on earth does Luis Enrique still insist on playing Lionel Messi in a deep-lying role?
The Argentine maestro is at his devastating best when in the attacking areas of the pitch, but began the game in a recessed role in the centre. Any chance Barcelona had from this game rested on their ability to get an early goal, but Messi played the entirety of the first half occupying the middle of Juventus’ half.
He’s still a fantastic creator, but this simply served to negate players like Ivan Rakitic, with the Croat looking ineffective and clueless as to his job. Messi imbalanced Barcelona’s side in the first half, but once he moved a bit forward in the second half, Barcelona looked far more likely to score.
If Messi plays in the same role in El Clasico, Barcelona can kiss any chance they have of retaining La Liga goodbye.