SO BARCELONA HAVE finally been dethroned in Spain.
By claiming his long-awaited first league win over the Catalans, Jose Mourinho has also surely claimed his first Spanish title – and his seventh in four different countries – as well as Real Madrid’s first in four years and 32nd overall. Moreover, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who forced the victory.
In all that, it was vintage Mourinho. And also vindication for Ronaldo.
When these two teams drew 2-2 in the Copa Del Rey in January, the manager said he had come closer to the way he would eventually beat Barca. He stayed true this word. From the ferocity and sheer security of the defending to the cutting edge of the counter-attacks, this was classic Mourinho. Indeed, the first 45 minutes – right down to the percentage-playing of scoring from a set-piece – could even be described as one of the greatest halves of the manager’s career. It was quite simply perfect.
Yes, perfect but not necessarily pure. Many have spent the last few days criticising Chelsea – and now Mourinho – for playing anti-football. But the fact is that Barca are the perfect football pyramid and play every game on their own terms like no other team in history. Go toe to toe with them and you’ll generally get torn apart. No matter how much money you have, you can’t replicate that unless you invest in a 10-year football pyramid. As such, it’s up to every manager to simply find a way to beat them. Mourinho did that. And, unlike virtually everyone else, not for the first time.
If Mourinho stayed true to himself, though, Ronaldo stepped up. Previously, there was one justifiable remaining criticism of his career: he hadn’t settled a truly key Clasico. Last season’s Copa Del Rey, for example, felt almost irrelevant given the context of the ‘world series’ of fixtures between the two around it.
Not tonight though. It wasn’t just the quality of the goal. It was the timing. Just after Barca had equalised Sami Khedira’s early strike and built up a head of steam, Ronaldo made a supreme run from his own half to meet Mesut Ozil’s delicious through ball and finish superbly. It didn’t just win the match but the title.
And, if Ronaldo is being increasingly defined by his goals, then he finally scored a genuinely defining goal in a Spanish season. Brilliant.
Perhaps the bigger question, though, is whether it is also a death blow to Barca.
That may seem typical of the hype of the media given that, only a few months ago, we were all proclaiming them as possibly the greatest side of all time. But, at the very least, they have at least allowed the possibility for questions again. Previously the ultimate big-game team, they have now lost two in a row. That is unfamiliar, unsettling territory for this team.
And, while Mourinho got his own side to raise it and do everything right while filling every gap, it can still also be true that partly came about because Barca themselves have dropped off. If it would be ludicrous to say Guardiola’s team is falling apart – and it would! – there are at least more holes in their make-up than usual.
Consider the flaws in the side tonight.
The opening goal partly came from the lack of height and more basic organisation when defending – something that, for more offensive reasons, Pep Guardiola has never felt particularly concerned with solving.
Since those were necessary risks to the team’s overall shape, it was never a problem when Barca were at their kaleidoscopic best. But that wasn’t the case tonight. And hasn’t been for a while. For one, they simply lacked finishers. Look at the effort Tello squandered shortly before Alexis equalised.
That, also, is why Leo Messi has arguably deserved more credit for this season than others. With David Villa injured and both Cesc and Alexis dropping off in terms of scoring in the last two months, he has stayed constant and actually upped his game.
And, tonight, he was good. Alexis’s goal, after all, came from his incredible run that opened so much space. He also picked a series of glorious through balls. Indeed, one of them should have seen Barca equalise much earlier as Xavi missed a superb opportunity.
Ultimately, though, Messi couldn’t do it all on his own, no matter how good he has been. Because Barca were atrociously flat tonight. They were lacking spark and movement, not getting enough men in and around their box. That meant it was easier for Real to put men around the Argentine and minimise his effect.
Most lamentably, there was almost a lack of conviction to some of their passes, as many fell short.
Guardiola should perhaps carry some of the blame here given his stubbornness in sticking to a line-up that wasn’t working and, perhaps, many of his signings.
But there could be deeper issues. Are Barca feeling the effects of fatigue and generally complacency after four years of almost non-stop success?
Alternatively, is it a coincidence that Barca have lost either the league or Champions League in seasons when they’ve lacked a cutting-edge, all-round forward like Samuel Eto’o or David Villa?
On the other hand, of course, it might all be an inevitable blip. Removing Xavi so oddly early in such a game, for example, was surely to keep in store for Tuesday.
And, of course, they may yet create history by retaining the Champions League.
It’s worth remembering that even the spiritual successors of this Barca side, Ajax 1970-73, finished second behind Feyenoord a few times as they racked up European Cups.
Do that, and all of this will feel somewhat irrelevant; evidence of no more than a brief hiatus in four years of the highest quality.
But, for the moment, it all remains open to question. Well, all except the fact that Mourinho has finally mastered Barca, Ronaldo is a truly big-game scorer and Real are the champions of Spain for the first time in four years.
Vindication for Ronaldo???! All this game was prove what I always thought; a great goal scorer but sadly also a great cheat? Did he break ribs tonight, his actions would portray he did! Did Macherano actually touch him with his awful tackle in final 10mins? No, but he still fell and rolled around holding his leg! If only he cut out this play acting then, and only then, can you say he’s vindicated! A terrible example of a former world player of the year!
Messi does that aswell
Jimmy club foot in the conference does it…. they all bloody do it.
I truly admire Barcelona as a club. Nevertheless, I must confess I’m sick with the Barcelonitis overdose imposed on us by every commentator. Week after week, time and time again, we’re all forced to watch the Messi & Guardiola orgasms reached live on RTE by the likes of Dunphy and Gilles. As a football fan I long for competitive competitions, and I’m glad we found a serious contender like Madrid is proving to be.
The other aspect I would like to stress is the total lack of respect for Ronaldo, Mourinho and so forth. I’m not even a huge Ronaldo fan myself, but I can watch football without a good pair of Blaugrana spectacles. I don’t even care if Messi is better than Ron or vice versa, but I know one thing: Ronaldo is not pampered, loved, and buttered by everyone. He’s a goal scoring machine and he’s able to do so in the most adverse environments. Only someone that mentally strong could keep scoring under severe criticism, booed everywhere and by everyone ( Madrid’s supporters included).
With regard to Jose, I honestly believe that comparing him to Guardiola is intellectually deshonest. Here there’s no room for taller and stronger, better headers or free-kicks. Guardiola has only managed Barcelona B and Barcelona. He inherited a team that had recently won a champions league. He only managed one club and only in Spain. Jose Mourinho has won 7 titles in 3 different countries ( Spain to follow) 2 CL with FC Porto and Internazionale + a Uefa cup. And let’s not forget that daylight robberies that deprived him from 2 more finals (Chelsea v Liverpool – Barcelona Real Madrid ). He is the most successful coach in the history of football, whether you like it or not.
I believe that would be Sir Alex!
Chelsea v Liverpool = daylight robbery? Would you stop. Ghost goal or whatever you may call it, it’s not like Chelsea where 5-0 up and someone shot their players. It was a super tight game and Garcia played the ball over the line (at least nearly over!). It was most definitely not daylight robbery.
Henry against Ireland was daylight robbery, not Chelsea’s miserable excuse for loosing to Liverpool.
I’d prefer to see the pundits having orgasms over Xavi and Messi than Nani and Rooney any day. I don’t know how people could get sick of watching this team when they’re at their best. Its not even football, its closer to a work of art if anything.
And there’s no way Mourinho is the most successful coach in the history of football. Paisley, Fergie, Capello, Sacchi, too name but a few. He’s well on his way but still has a bit to go.
After 4 years winning almost everything it seems that when you lose one match is the end of the world but I trust in these guys.
Barcelona supporters being younger than 9 y.o. are not used to this and their parents have the difficult task to explain them that Barça cannot always win.
To be fair, though, Diari, the point is that Barca were considered to be the best of all time precisely because they never lost big games. If they are starting to, that is a sign of a slip. But that doesn’t mean it is a fatal slip. They could well actually enhance their legacy this year by retaining the Champions League.
Yes,but Miguel..that is the second game in which Ronaldo has performed versus Barca..he has been missing during the bigger games against them for 2 seasons,2 champs league games last season,2 super cup games in August,la liga game in december..Messi has dominated the outcome of 80% of El Clasico games practically.The barometer will really be 19th May..unless Ronaldo is on the winning side that day,he will still be no.2 player in the world for some time to come..and he is 9 goals behind Messi who is on 63 for the season.
Indeed, a very good finish..such are the margins of football..a wonderful Messi assist for Xavi’s chance that should have been converted and it’s a whole different story.Madrid were tactically astute,but Barca have been conceding a lot more this season generally at home as well as Away.It is difficult to keep up such form and they certainly have lapsed and Madrid are definitely the form team.However,19th May will decide it all..if Ronaldo goes missing on that night..April 21st wont count for much.
Jose is a great manager but not anywhere near the greatest, that honour surely belongs to sir Alex, after Porto Jose only managed teams that were almost complete and with buckets of cash to spend. Win domestically and in Europe with Aberdeen and then take a team that didn’t win a league in nearly 30 years to winning league titles for fun for over 20 years and 2 cl titles, then Pedro you have the greatest ever.
As far as I can remember, he won in Europe with FC Porto 17 years after their last European title and won the premier league with Chelsea after what? 50 years? Totally ruled the premier league and completely over shadowed Sir Alex. He also managed to win a CL with Internazionale after almost 60 years.
I acknowledge the fact that Sir Alex’s career is somewhat unique but we’re talking about someone that has been managing the same club for the past 25 years, whereas Mourinho was able to adapt to different kinds of football, mentalities, players and media coverage.
And please don’t throw the buckets of money excuse. That was at Chelsea and not with Internazionale and surely not at Porto or Madrid. And even Chelsea was not a complete team, details as follows: Carvalho, Malouda, Kalou, Essien, Obi Mikel, Ferreira, Robben, Drogba, Cole, etc all played decisive roles in Chelsea’s success and they’re all Mourinho’s transfers. If money was the solution, City would be THE top team in Europe, would it not?
Having said all of that, it all comes down to personal preferences. I’d rather have Mourinho as manager, but I would easily understand anyone that would rather go for Sir Alex, Wenger or Guardiola, although I reiterate everything I wrote about Mourinho’s versatility and capacity to win internal and international competitions with different clubs in several countries. And those are the facts.
Viva Ronaldo!!! (just born at the same time as Messi!)
Barca saved their players 4 Chelsea n ronaldo did what he does runs into space but cannot get throu packed defences n Madrid will be knocked out by Munich on wednesday nyt while Barca will beat chelski
Really? I don’t agree with you on Ronaldo there, he has always, in particular whilst in England, been criticised as being a flat track bully. Weaker teams tend to drop off United and now Real into packed defences. Against stronger sides in big games he has been hammered for going missing, they tend to push up onto you to try and try and win the gamr due to their increased confidence and ability.
Maybe so, but the rot is setting in , teams like this start to believe their own
press Unbeatable ! Unstoppable ! Greatest team ever! They are only human after all and it was only a matter of time before they as individuals take their eye off the ball and believe that Messi will always score or someone else will score to win the game . They start to rely on an individual to win it rather then the team itself and it’s not surprising with the amount of trophies they have won in the last 3-4 yrs.
Barca had a few out missing tonight through injury or resting for midweek. Their defence tonight said everything. Macherano and busquets apart of a 3 man defence. Their shape was all over the place. saying that the team did look tired overall. Barca will be back next year. They just need at least 3 decent defenders for cover and they will be back firing.
Delighted Barca got beaten by Real even Messi was starting to lose his temper towards the end. I wonder will Jose stick with them next season or move on?
He is waiting for united job. Martin O’Neill number 2 … Dream team ;-)
Oh god know, I hope my theory than Fergie is bionic and will carry on for ever is true just to keep that man away from my club!!
No even!! Early in the morning wrong word shocker for me there!!
Pep is the next United manager, I dont think it will the Jose.
As much as I love united I can’t see why he would leave this Barca team for us, I think it’ll be Moyes
Pep will leave Barca.
My comment was tongue in cheek, pep will leave barca tho, he knows team is coming to its end.
Messi didnt lose his temper..arbeloa had a kick at him and i suppose he reacted like anyone else would..but i didnt see him get a yellow card did you?or dive around the place like ronaldo does?or arrogantly celebrate goals like ronaldo does?..perhaps thats why people actually admire Messi above Ronaldo..he tends to score more goals,win more and also act humble unlike Ronaldo.
I think people are jumping the gun with Barca being on the way down. Unfortunately, it is down to fatigue. Four years at the top as well as the core of their team also being the core of the Spanish team too, they basically haven’t had a rest in 4-5 years. Add to that the fact that they don’t have the strongest squad of players to compliment the top 13 or 14 at the club. They could easily go out and make 3 top class signings in the summer and next September they’d be getting lauded as the greatest of all time again. Its going to be interesting to see how they finish the season and what happens with Pep.
A Real Madrid fan wrote the above
Hala Madrid!
you have to admire the way Barcelona play the game, a pure joy to watch whether you support them or not! an example for every other club anywhere!
Fond of cheating, diving, theatrics and complaining. Yes, they play the game SO well.
And Ashley young doesnt dive?
United fans need to get over Wembly last year.
Yes, I think its a fact that Ashley young dives. Nobody is complaining about Wembley last year, or Rome two years before that – least of all me. Barca play a superb passing game & ruin it fannying about on the deck.
He runs down the left he runs down the riiiiiight, that boy Ronaldo makes England look shite!! He’s a bit like Darth Vadar Ronaldo these days, he may be on the dark side but he isn’t half brilliant!!
Cheating is endemic in football..anyone last night watching would have seen Di Maria dive to win two frees.Barcelona do it also,Alexis being their most consistent diver.Madrid have had a good season,but Barcelona have won the title 3 years running,so the Champions League would tend to be the more important competition for them..it is hardly a rot..perhaps a blip..but if they retain the Champions League..most people wont be talking about not having won La Liga..Real Madrid got their tactics spot on..but hard to see Barca losing another game this season.Fabregas and Alexis werent started which suggests that Pep is looking towards Tuesday as the crucial game in their season..Ronaldo is having a magnificient season..54 goals is it?..but still has some way to eclipse Messi..who is on…63 for the season..Messi couldnt be faulted last night..he was instrumental in the equaliser and set up Xavi who missed a sitter..