Spanish Super Cup - Wednesday 16th August - Real Madrid vs Barcelona (2nd Leg)

[Stan]

I think Barca's players know that their dominance is over and Real are ahead of them and will be for the next few years at this rate. Body language and effort shown by some players is so negative. 

That midfield is the weakest I've seen in years. Busquets the only one who has any semblance of quality in it. 

[Stan]

Madrid also look so much fitter and quicker on and off the ball too. Doesn't even look like Barca are ready for the league season to start either. 

[Cicero]

Like 2014, can see Messi half arsing it this season to be ready for the WC

[Guest]

I remember getting laughed at for saying that Barcas midfield was shit last season. Glad I'm not the only one anymore.

[Danny]

34 minutes ago, carefreeluke said:

Barcelona are even making Benzema look good.

Benzema is class and would walk into most teams in the world

[Cicero]

Real just tiki taka Barca. 

[Cicero]

3 minutes ago, Teso dos Bichos said:

 well he is half arsing it for no reason cicero its messi you're talking about, not the GOAT maradona. im confident he will never lead argentina to greatness like Diego did. 

Lol just stop

[Guest]

Benzema is the worst of that Real 11 and that pretty much tells you how complete this side is.

[Cicero]

Real are honestly better with Ronaldo up top and Isco and Asensio supporting him. 

 

 

[Cicero]

Semedo looks like a good signing 

[Philippe Coutinho]

 

[Philippe Coutinho]

That scoreline doesn't do justice to the tie. RM a different class right now, from every side, not just Barca. We need a real overhaul, and Coutinho while a nice player, would not get in Madrid side, that tells you how far off the pace we are right now.

[nfb_10]

We have a lot of work to do. Real Madrid are bearing the fruits of years of waiting in the shadows and buying young Spanish talent and just waiting for their time to strike. Marco Asensio is the real deal, he's special, really, really special. I honestly think he has the potential to be the best player in the world, and Madrid got him for just 2 million while we had the opportunity to and signed Douglas instead.

All in all Real Madrid were the far deserved winners and they've shown us just how far off we are at the moment...and how much work needs to be done on our part

[Guest]

I think its a fair time to bring this back.

On 15/8/2017 at 1:09 PM, LaSambadeStGermain said:

Honestly, after thinking about it, Barca are fucked without Neymar. After they missed out on Veratti they should have held onto him regardless of his hotheaded attitude.

Real Madrid look set to dominate the next coming years with their insane midfield and their tactical forward line. They are genuinely the complete team. Strong on set pieces, excellently structured shape, and of course world class players all over. Barcelona have 3 world class players and that's it. Simply put. They are unlikely to get someone even close to Neymar's calibre now. They have the money and the prestige to attract anyone, but quite honestly with how things are looking such as signing Paulinho, I don't see this ending well.

Lee Seung Woo should be given a chance to replace Neymar. He could surprise. They should also place their faith in Sergi Roberto and Gerard Deulofeu. With the money, it wouldn't be a bad move to sign younger players that look the business.  Perhaps a squad player or 2 as well. 2 examples are the linked Yerry Mina who wouldn't be up for an absurd price, or Piotr Zielinski who I hope doesn't leave Napoli, but he's going to be one of the best midfielders in the world in a few years. He's already top class, so he'd instantly improve the midfield.

If I were Barcelona I'd be patient. They've had their success and now the era is done, its time to create a new one. That takes time.

The post looks better after this game. I stand by it all. I think letting Neymar go in August after missing out on Veratti was risky. Even if he showed poor discipline. 

I don't think it would be a bad idea to put on Lee Seung Woo as a replacement for Neymar. They won't do it, but if I were Valverde I would take the gamble. He's a superb player and honestly, there is nothing to lose. At least if they miss out on Dembele. He had an excellent U20 World Cup this year and despite his suspension, he managed to break Messi's record in the youth teams. It might have been in one season or in general, I'm not too sure. If it doesn't work, then at least they can say they tried, but I don't see a problem with trying to spin the slot machines with him. 

Piotr would seriously improve that Barcelona midfield, but there is no chance he's an option as there is no interest from Barca for him to my current knowledge. 

As I said, this will take minimum 2 or 3 years for Barcelona to get it right again, they'll need to be patient with their transitioning. From the original bunch, the only ones who still have it is Messi and Busquets. Pique is awful these days and Iniesta while still has the ability seems to have trouble staying fit, and Barca can't rely on him for consistent playmaking anymore.

[Asura]

I remember last season Pique answered to a journalist's question "Is there a power shift in Spain" and his reply was "You can say there is a power shift when we pull a bus parade for copa del rey".

But now he says  "In the nine years I've been [at Barca], it's the first time I feel inferior to Madrid," 

He finally admitted that its Madrid's time now. Even though im not a fan of either clubs I would still like to see Barcleona win it rather than Real Madrid. This is going to be a very long season for them

 

[SirBalon]

It's all over for me now for a while it seems unless the answer is found in the transfer market which it never really is found there as has been proved by some clubs that keep spending truck loads of cash.  What am I gong to do to find the stimulation I used to get from watching Barça????  EY!  There's only one thing for it...  Yep!  The time has finally arrived...  I'M TURNING TO PORN! 

[carefreeluke]

13 hours ago, Danny said:

Benzema is class and would walk into most teams in the world

He can do a lot of things that can go unnoticed in football and he impressed me a lot last night, perhaps seems to play better on his own as well. He also complements Ronaldo well also, I think that's one of the reasons Morata never got a serious look in as he tends to take up very similar positions to Ronaldo. However, Benzema's performances have seriously dropped in recent seasons compared to what they were, he's looked lazy and last night was the first time in a good while where he's actually played with some fire and intensity. We haven't seen Benzema at his best for a while.

[True Blue]

Embarrassed in both legs Barcelona , it breaks my heart it does  

[Carnivore Chris]

It's only the super cup to be honest, so it could be worse. It's nice to beat Real Madrid in any game, but the league, champs league and Copa Del Rey are the important ones, not like I think Barça are going to do well in any this year as Real are currenly a much superior side and it's the first time we can say this for a while now.

I watched the whole game and in the first half, I thought it was going to end about 5-0 as Real were bossing the game, Modric was utter class(he's on another level at the moment!), although in the second half I thought Barcelona played a bit better and could have even grabbed a goal or 2 with a bit of luck. Semedo looked good when he came on as well, so that's one positive.

 

I don't see a top side there at the moment, there are too many weak areas and it's obvious that a few signings atleast are needed(and could improve the side greatly alone) but let's also not forget that Barceona lost 5-1 against Athletic Bilbao on agg in the Super Cup two years ago(including an utter pasting, 4-0 at San Mames), before going on to win La Liga and the Copa Del rey. I'm not saying that is going to happen this time as like I said, Real are the team to beat in Spain right now, but let's not completely rule out the season yet. There are without a doubt reinforcements needed, but on top of that, Valverde needs to get to know his strongest 11. He has his work cut out for him, but let's see how it all develops.

[SirBalon]

5 hours ago, The Rebel CRS said:

It's only the super cup to be honest, so it could be worse. It's nice to beat Real Madrid in any game, but the league, champs league and Copa Del Rey are the important ones, not like I think Barça are going to do well in any this year as Real are currenly a much superior side and it's the first time we can say this for a while now.

I watched the whole game and in the first half, I thought it was going to end about 5-0 as Real were bossing the game, Modric was utter class(he's on another level at the moment!), although in the second half I thought Barcelona played a bit better and could have even grabbed a goal or 2 with a bit of luck. Semedo looked good when he came on as well, so that's one positive.

 

I don't see a top side there at the moment, there are too many weak areas and it's obvious that a few signings atleast are needed(and could improve the side greatly alone) but let's also not forget that Barceona lost 5-1 against Athletic Bilbao on agg in the Super Cup two years ago(including an utter pasting, 4-0 at San Mames), before going on to win La Liga and the Copa Del rey. I'm not saying that is going to happen this time as like I said, Real are the team to beat in Spain right now, but let's not completely rule out the season yet. There are without a doubt reinforcements needed, but on top of that, Valverde needs to get to know his strongest 11. He has his work cut out for him, but let's see how it all develops.

I also mentioned the Athletic Bilbao mauling a few years ago in this competition...  These things can happen but there are many things that aren't right with this side and they're plainly evident to see for even young people that aren't that tactically aware when they watch football.

This is plainly a case of a major transitional moment for the club and it's only going to be done properly with the right people at the helm in my opinion.

[Panflute]

A few random thoughts I didn't get around to adding:

- Benzema reminded me a bit of Raúl in this match. Not doing the fanciest things and scoring hattricks, but putting lots of effort and stealing a goal. I do think his presence was important up front, and if he keeps playing like this, it'll be a good season for him.

- Marcelo really is my favourite player of the current Real Madrid squad. Every time he has the ball, something interesting happens. It's also commendable that he's a player that has a lot of possession and takes risks (always wanting to beat his man and playing forward) yet he rarely gives possession to the other side. He also looks like he never runs out of energy. One of the most poignant moments that showed this in his career was his goal against Atleti in the extra time of the 2014 CL final. All of Atlético's defence and midfield looked so tired, but Marcelo still had energy left and used it to tear right through the team's defensive lines. Roberto Carlos was one of my favourite players back in the day, but there's no doubt in my mind that Marcelo is even better than him.

- Keylor Navas had a few very good saves in this match. His only blunder I remember was where he failed to punch the ball out of the air during a corner kick (but it went out for a goal kick anyway). He has nowhere near the presence and charisma of Casillas, but he does seem like a decent, reliable goalkeeper.

- It's been said before, but Real Madrid's main strength is the depth of the team. When you can so easily win a Clásico with Isco, Bale and Casemiro on the bench (and Ronaldo on the stands), your future is looking bright. This is worth observing because, while Real Madrid has had plenty of good squads in the past, here is a team that is fit for the long term more than any other 'generation' of Real Madrid squads since the start of the millennium. Ronaldo is undeniably the star of this team, and losing him would be a great blow, but the club could handle a hypothetical departure now much better than, say, 3-4 years ago. It reminds me of when Ronaldinho was the star of Barcelona, but you already had Messi and Bojan (who was very promising at the time) lining up to take over, which was key in ushering in Barcelona's undisputed golden era. Now Real Madrid is in a similar position with 3 recent CL wins behind them, so I can't wait to see how this will unfold for the club.

[Storts]

19 hours ago, The Rebel CRS said:

It's only the super cup to be honest, so it could be worse. It's nice to beat Real Madrid in any game, but the league, champs league and Copa Del Rey are the important ones, not like I think Barça are going to do well in any this year as Real are currenly a much superior side and it's the first time we can say this for a while now.

I watched the whole game and in the first half, I thought it was going to end about 5-0 as Real were bossing the game, Modric was utter class(he's on another level at the moment!), although in the second half I thought Barcelona played a bit better and could have even grabbed a goal or 2 with a bit of luck. Semedo looked good when he came on as well, so that's one positive.

 

I don't see a top side there at the moment, there are too many weak areas and it's obvious that a few signings atleast are needed(and could improve the side greatly alone) but let's also not forget that Barceona lost 5-1 against Athletic Bilbao on agg in the Super Cup two years ago(including an utter pasting, 4-0 at San Mames), before going on to win La Liga and the Copa Del rey. I'm not saying that is going to happen this time as like I said, Real are the team to beat in Spain right now, but let's not completely rule out the season yet. There are without a doubt reinforcements needed, but on top of that, Valverde needs to get to know his strongest 11. He has his work cut out for him, but let's see how it all develops.

Not true mate, Balon told me Busquets was far better

[SirBalon]

43 minutes ago, Storts said:

Not true mate, Balon told me Busquets was far better

Busquets is miles a better player.  The support Modrić has is the mark of a team performance.

[Storts]

31 minutes ago, SirBalon said:

Busquets is miles a better player.  The support Modrić has is the mark of a team performance.

Not at all - Modric is a far more gifted footballer. Busquets has never been and never will be a better football than Luka Modric.

[SirBalon]

Just now, Storts said:

Not at all - Modric is a far more gifted footballer. Busquets has never been and never will be a better football than Luka Modric.

Mate...  I don't know if you're trolling me, but if you are, fair dos.  I'm not even going to entertain anymore of this because it's pointless.  But just to let you know, for all the massive respect I have for Luka Modrić, the general consensus is that he isn't even in the same league as Busquets.  Sergio Busquets has been a lone (pivot) defensive midfielder throughout his whole career winning everything there is to win and excelling in his position while at Real Madrid Modrić has always played in teams with support in his area of midfield.  These are genuine tactical arguments I'm using!  With this...  I repeat!  Modrić is a brilliant player who would walk into most teams if not all.  I've never even tried to use any argument to belittle him.  Same as Kroos who was the object of the first statement and who I lauded.  Both Kroos and Modrić together are amazing.  Busquets has won it all on his own tactically for Barça and for Spain he had Alonso beside him at his height, which is no mean feat.