As I raise my weary head from this kerbstone after a rather disappointing night I am not without sorrow at the run of events last night. The very fact that Barcelona totally outclassed us is not something that I find hard to comprehend. What I do find hard to understand is how can you get pressed out of a game, manage to score two fine opportunist goals against the run of play and still lose a game of football.
Ill tell you why, Barcelona are one, if not the best team in the world. They thrive on open football and are a joy to watch. THEY CERTAINLY DO NOT NEED TWO EASY GOALS TO HELP THEM!
Having said that I am in no mood to start critising individuals, they will know this morning that in try to calm things down rather than clear there lines they made the ultimate error in gifting a quality side possession in advanced areas. I will leave it up to the individual to decide whether or not these players should have attempted to retain possession when a simple boot up the park would have taken the pressure off.
That aside, the team played relatively well against opposition that outclassed us in every department and I am proud of each player for rising to the occasion and giving their all, even if that were far from enough.
All credit to Barcelona who turned in a performance last night as good as any I have seen by a visiting European side in a long time. Their quick passing, movement that would drag a mountain out of position and sheer brilliance was a joy to watch.
So what is next for our plucky heroes? Shooting practice and training in how to play against an aggressively pressing outfit who could pass any team off the field! Some may suggest that the tie is now over, and the smart money will rest on Barcelona progressing but it is only two goals!
Ever hopeful
Clydebuilt