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Barcelona vs Arsenal : Five Things We Learned

By Vijay Vemu

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates scoring his second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and Barcelona on February 23, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates scoring his second goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and Barcelona on February 23, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /

4. Javier Mascherano was fantastic in defense

Javier Mascherano was once again the main cog in the Barcelona defense as he played an exceptional for the Catlans. In the first half, Mascherano saved at least two great Arsenal chances on the counterattack with great stops. He was even bigger in the second half with a key block on Oliver Giroud on a header.

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Although his height is an issue on set pieces and plays in the air, Mascherano is still an exceptional player. He is great at tracking back and is not afraid to make the tough challenges. That’s how he was able to stop Arsenal in the first half. Sitting alongside a centerback like Gerard Pique, one who likes to go forward, it’s good that Mascherano likes to stay back. Both centerbacks can’t be going forward and it will hurt them on the counterattack if they do. Luis Enrique had this defense drop deeper this past two years to accommodate not getting struck on the counter and Mascherano is a big help to his plans.

On a night where Arsenal looked like they were bound to score at least one goal, Mascherano and ter Stegen were a big reason why the Gunners were left with a zero on the scoreboard tonight.

Next: 3. Resilient Arsenal

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