In the latest LaLiga match day, one of the games of the season took place. The clash between Barça and Girona was an outstanding faceoff, but is has not the main piece of news of this weekend. Unfortunately, we have to mourn the loss of a Granada fan during the match between the Nasrid side and Athletic Club. This edition of ‘LaLiga Overtime’ is dedicated to him. R.I.P.
LaLiga Overtime – Match Day #16:
Baraja is starting to look like Gattuso:
Rubén Baraja‘s Valencia started off the season on a roll. ‘Baby’ Valencia began the year on the right foot and achieved a stratospheric win over Atlético de Madrid at Mestalla. A promising start that has helped the ‘ché’ side earn a 10-point lead off of relegation, as they currently stand on a comfortable position to tackle the remainder of the competition.
This weekend, they fell to Getafe in a controversial 1-0 loss at Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, as the referee sent off two of Valencia’s players. Their latest defeat means that they have lost four matches in a row, but they are far from worried.
After 16 rounds, they are the eleventh ranked team in LaLiga with 19 points. Numbers that may look like nothing special at first sight, but there is a curiosity that surrounds Valencia this season. Rubén Baraja’s pupils have replicated the record of Gennaro Gattuso‘s roster from back in the day. The Italian manager registered five wins, four draws and seven losses last season, and so has Baraja in the current campaign. An interesting fact that Valencia fans hope does not predict what lies ahead for their team.
The consecration of Miguel Gutiérrez:
The main event of the weekend took place at the Lluís Companys stadium. A duel between two of the highest ranked teams in the league, Barça and Girona. The story of David and Goliath in LaLiga terms. The stage was ready for a footballing war between similar styles. And there was a player that hoarded all of the covers as a result of his magnificent performance and his past.
Miguel Gutiérrez was the star of the match from the left flank. The Real Madrid academy player was unstoppable for the Catalan side’s backline over the course of the entire match. His persistence through the left side, almost acting like a midfielder, was a complete headache for the team coached by Xavi. His good criteria on the ball also acted as a catalyst for the play of Míchel‘s pupils in many occasions.
To round out his big night, he scored the 1-2 goal with a top bins shot that gave his team the lead. A performance that helped Girona establish themselves as the leaders of LaLiga and dream of replicating Leicester’s historical run in the Premier League. A team filled with arguments to achieve a beyond impressive feat in the competition. Miguel Gutiérrez is one of them and also a deserving protagonist of this week’s edition of ‘LaLiga Overtime’.
Xavi’s construction:
Against Girona, Xavi’s Barça suffered one of its worst defeats since the manager born in Terrassa was appointed by the ‘azulgrana’ squad. In spite of playing a solid game on the ball and having many chances to level the score, the Catalan side constantly shot themselves in the foot. Barça’s defensive transitions were horrendous, as they have been throughout the season. The unsurpassable wall of last season is completely gone.
A relaxed team whose every turnover becomes a clear chance for the opposition. The match against Girona was a bloodbath: constant counterattack chances in superiority for the team managed by Míchel, who completely beat Xavi in the tactical matchup. If that was not enough, Barcelona’s manager stated that they could have won the match (demonstrating, once again, his complete lack of self-criticism) while his opponent held back laughter on live television.
Last but not least, the latest gem added to Xavi’s crown of excuses is that Barcelona is under construction. The reigning league champions, who have put their future at steak to satisfy the coach and over 200 million spent on signings are clear signs of a rebuilding club. A similar situation as that of Sagrada Familia, which stands, unfinished, in the middle of Barcelona ever since Gaudí passed away. Xavi’s Barça is the Sagrada Familia of football, it will forever remain under construction.
Translated by Nuño Alonso.
Main image: Edit by Pablo Benítez.
At ELXIIDEAL we have a great opportunity to advertise your business via our website and social media network.
