FC Barcelona vs Arsenal : Five thing we learned
By Vijay Vemu
4. Javier Mascherano was defensive MVP for this tie
Although he doesn’t fit the physical requirements of a good centreback, Javier Mascherano is one of the best centrebacks in the world right now and showed it tonight.
With Gerard Pique out due to yellow card accumulation, the pressure was on Mascherano to perform as he played alongside Jeremy Mathieu. Mathieu hasn’t played in a number of games so his form was a bit rusty and it opened up some chances for Arsenal, but Mascherano shut it down. Something he has been doing for the whole tie. Sitting back more than usual, Mascherano showed his great ability to track back and make tackles in this tie.
Mascherano had some big tackles in the first leg, including a tackle that stopped a key Arsenal counterattack that would have certainly led to goal. He continued that performance in the second leg as he was the rock in the back for Barcelona. He certainly saved a couple of key chances.
With Mascherano’s leadership at the back, Barcelona were able to hold off Arsenal just in time for their offense to kick in and convert their chances. Their defense surely has to shore up as they move along further in the knockout stages but tonight was a solid night for the Catalan defense.
Next: 3. Good night for Mohamed Elneny