Barcelona vs. Monchengladbach: Score, Reaction from 2016 Champions League Match
Barcelona defeated Borussia Monchengladbach in clinical fashion at the Camp Nou in the UEFA Champions League, as Arda Turan scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 victory in Group C on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi gave the Blaugrana the lead after 15 minutes as the hosts carved through the Bundesliga club with precision.
Turan completed a 17-minute treble in the second half, with his side putting in a vintage display with a rotated starting XI.
Andres Iniesta made his first start in six weeks for Barca, making his way back from injury. Luis Enrique rang the changes from El Clasico, promoting Jasper Cillessen, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne, Aleix Vidal, Denis Suarez, Turan and Paco Alcacer into the starting XI.
Messi and Co. were in control from the opening minutes, dancing through the German back line with consummate ease.
The effortless nature of the hosts' attacking was breathtaking to behold, and Monchengladbach appeared swamped and overrun.
It was 1-0 to Barca after 15 minutes when a convincing passing move was finished off by Argentina icon Messi.
The attacker linked with Turan, who returned the ball to Messi, and he swept his shot home to the cheers of the Camp Nou.
Presenter Andy Goldstein complimented Messi's amazing consistency and standing in world football history:
Barca controlled every facet of the contest as the first half unfolded, and the German team were a poor match for their opponents in a ragged system.
Vidal caused plenty of issues down the right flank, constantly overlapping the midfield to provide service into the penalty area.
However, despite their dominance and intimidation, Barca failed to penetrate with success, and Monchengladbach were relieved to only be a goal down at half-time.
Barca turned the knife in the opening eight minutes of the second half, scoring twice through Turan as they displayed a ruthless touch.
The Turkey captain was on the end of two bursts forward by Barca, and he finished with style to bury German hopes.
Writer Sergi Dominguez proclaimed that Turan needs to continue as a force from wide:
Turan claimed his hat-trick after 66 minutes, with Monchengladbach's defence capitulating after a quick Blaugrana attack.
Barca drove in behind their opponents, and Alcacer found his team-mate at the far post for an easy finish.
Monchengladbach's usually buoyant away support were completely muted as they witnessed their side totally outclassed.
The German unit's 4-4-2 system was consistently deconstructed, and the challenge became one of Barca's easiest tasks of the campaign so far.
The hosts trotted home as Monchengladbach flagged in midfield, and Messi and his team-mates will be satisfied with their verve and execution.
The score could have been any number on the night, but Barca's performance will have had their fans salivating at the prospect of what is to come next.
Post-Match Reaction
Enrique was delighted with the response from his rotated starting XI, as quoted by the club's official Twitter feed:
Barca win Group C on 15 points, while Manchester City claim second spot with nine points from their six games.
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