Barcelona vs. Apoel: Winners and Losers from Champions League Game
Barcelona got past APOEL, 1-0, in the first game of Group F play in the UEFA Champions League at Camp Nou.
Gerard Pique scored the only goal of the match in the 28th minute, when he rose above the defense on a Lionel Messi free-kick to beat Urko Pardo.
After the goal, Barca attempted to score more, but APOEL held their lines tremendously to send a statement to the rest of the group.
Continue reading on for a look at the winners and losers from this opening clash in Group F.
Winner: APOEL's Defensive Game Plan
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APOEL may have lost the game at Camp Nou, but they sent a message they will not be the team in Group F who will get blown out by the other power clubs.
Many thought the Cypriot side would break down at some point, but that was not the case, as the back four led by Carlao held strong.
Carlao was the best defender, if not the best player, on the pitch Wednesday night with three blocked shots, six interceptions and four tackles.
There is no doubt the Brazilian center-back will cause trouble to the attacks of Paris Saint-Germain and Ajax as well in group play.
Winner/Loser: Lionel Messi
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Messi did provide an assist on Pique's goal in the 28th minute, but that was the only spectacular moment of the match for the Argentinian.
With a set of young players around him, Messi was expected to take the reins of the Barca attack and take the game to APOEL.
Instead, he seemed fine with being unselfish on a few occasions, and his shots from distance weren't too accurate, especially the one he took late in the second half that came closer to the corner flag than the goal.
While Messi didn't have a shockingly bad showing, he could've been much better on the biggest stage in Europe.
Winner: Gerard Pique
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Pique was one of nine switches made by Luis Enrique ahead of this clash after Saturday's 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
The center-back scored the lone goal of the match, and he did not make any mistakes at the back when he was tested.
Although it may not seem like his day in defense was difficult, it is hard to keep focus and defend on a few occasions when your side carries 72 percent of possession.
On the few occasions that APOEL made moves forward, Pique was steady at the back in front of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who made one save.
Loser: Gustavo Manduca
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In the 91st minute, Gustavo Manduca had a chance to shock everyone at the Camp Nou with a late equalizer for the visitors.
Manduca's shot forced ter Stegen into a leaping save before the resulting corner was cleared away with no further harm put on the Barca goalkeeper.
The 62nd-minute substitute had no other involvements going forward, but his one chance would've sent shock waves through Group F had it been placed in a different area of the net.
Winner: Xavi
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Xavi may not be used this season as much as he has been in the past, but he still has a chance to set a record. And according to FIFA.com, he is fine with that role, saying, "I am happy. When my turn to play comes I will try to be useful."
By starting for the Catalan side Wednesday, the Spanish midfielder tied Raul for most appearances in the Champions League at 142, per ESPN's Paul Carr.
Xavi put in a solid performance in midfield, which should be good enough to earn another start in the group stage to break the record.
Winner: Luis Enrique
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It is hard to judge Enrique's managerial performance Wednesday, but ultimately it turned out to be a solid one from the Barca boss.
Enrique opted to start Sergi Samper and Sergi Roberto in the midfield alongside Xavi, and both of those young players impressed against the Cypriot side.
At the back, Enrique used squad rotation to hand starts to Marc Bartra, Adriano and Pique, who all played well.
By rotating his squad and giving young players valuable experience Enrique benefited from every one of his decisions against APOEL.
Follow Joe on Twitter @JTansey90.
All statistics obtained from WhoScored.com.
