2011 UEFA Champions League: How Barcelona Made Real Madrid Look Ordinary

Somewhere in the anonymity of the Nou Camp, sat a man who was hated by the entire Catalan city, one whom terrorized match officials with his mockery  and sarcasm, getting banished to the bench as a result of his actions. 

He knew he was high on the hated list, the entire city had placed a tag on his head called “Arrogant Loser”, so instead he chose to hide and pit the downfall of his detesters.  

It never worked out; the head of the Galaticos were beheaded as his troop’s surrendered defeat to the major force in current world football, FC Barcelona. 

This time Jose Mourinho couldn’t be faulted for starting with a negative formation; he gave instructions to wide-eyed assistant Aitor Karanka to thrust recently fit Kaka and Gonzalo Higuan into action, with hopes of using their entire attacking prowess to breathe new life into this tie. 

But Real Madrid faced a huge task on a gloomy rain soaked night in Barcelona, they needed to do the impossible and rewrite Champions League history by overturning a two goal deficit.

They started off brightly, but after Barcelona found their rhythm, it was just a case of hanging on.

In fact if not for the brilliance of Lassana Diarra, who was arguably Real Madrid’s best player, Lionel Messi could have helped himself to another brace by half-time.  Iker Casillas also did his part to keep the tie alive, producing noteworthy saves to deny Messi and David Villa.

Barcelona were accused of staging a play involving facial and body injuries last week, this week however they were more than happy to let their feet take centre stage.  

Many have wondered if Andres Iniesta actually has any bones or ligaments, such was the nimbleness to set-up Pedro for a majestic finish. He was all over the park, running and turning his body into all contortions, just to find the perfect pass.

Cristiano Ronaldo meanwhile had only one body language, sulking and whining at every given chance. He spent most of the game trying to win free-kicks at the edge of the box, and twisted his face into a grimace when he didn't get them.

Irina Shayk may love that expression, but neutrals alike would actually want to see some effort from the so-called second best footballer in the world. 

Age and senility has also caught up with Ricardo Carvalho; he seems intent on taking an early shower in every game nowadays. He should have got sent off twice last night, there shouldn't be a squeak from anyone if he did. 

Barcelona has showed us that beautiful football is like a seed; sow it well and you will reap abundant rewards. 

Arsenal, Shaktar Donestsk and now arch rivals Real Madrid have been swept away with relative ease, Manchester United look the next victims on Pep Guardiola’s wonderfully stacked cards. 

One thing’s for sure, we’re in for wonderful spectacle at Wembley come May 28^th. 

Let’s hope Jose Mourinho plays hide and seek again, we don’t want sore losers around still blaming the officials over spilt milk.