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Barcelona continued their unbeaten run in the La Liga with a routine win over Deportivo La Coruna last night. The Blaugrana were out to make a statement ahead of next weekend’s El Clasico and boy did they manage that. A brace each from Paulinho and Luis Suarez ensured they maintained their six-point lead at the top of the table.
Ernesto Valverde’s side have now made it 13 wins in 16 games and firmly have the momentum on their side. Deportivo had a few moments where they did trouble Barca, but the Blaugrana mustered some brilliant attacking moves to put four past the impressive Ruben Martinez.
Here are the talking points from the game:
#5 Suarez’s best game of the season so far
Luis Suarez hasn’t been himself this season, there are no two ways about it. Ahead of the Clasico, there was pressure on him to put in a performance that would guarantee his place, even though he was unlikely to be dropped. The only reason why he has managed to get an extended run despite his poor form is because of the lack of options.
The problem with Suarez was that he simply couldn’t do anything right. While his first touch was woeful at times, his finishing often let him down, which explains his relatively low goals tally. Against Deportivo, however, he finally broke the shackles and put in a performance that’ll remind his critics he isn’t finished yet.
Suarez often got into good goalscoring positions and scored twice. He could’ve had a hat-trick had it not been for the post. All in all, a top performance from the Uruguayan, exactly what he and Barca needed ahead of the showpiece game next weekend.
#4 Jordi Alba’s impressive performance on the left
Neymar departure has proved to be a boon for the Spaniard. Often seen as an attacking fullback, the presence of Neymar, prior to his departure of course, somewhat shackled Alba's offensive ability, something we have witnessed this season.
Against Deportivo, Alba offered an outlet on the left. Ernesto Valverde’s 4-4-2 has often implemented in more than one way; at times, Suarez has shifted to a left-sided role, but that doesn’t really suit him well. Giving Alba the green signal on the left and shifting Suarez back to his natural position has helped both the players.
Against Deportivo, Alba was constantly involved in making runs on the left and was unlucky not to score as his shot came off the post (yeah, quite a few of them did!). The presence of width is key to breaking stubborn defences and with Alba in good form, Barca don’t have to worry too much about an outlet on the left wing anymore. Mind you, Sergi Roberto was impressive on the right as well and put in a sublime cross for Suarez’s second goal.
#3 Deportivo lose, but Ruben impresses
He conceded four, yet impressed many with his reflexes and positioning in the game. In fact, the goals he conceded were pretty much impossible to stop as two of them were rebounds off the post, but boy did he make Barca fret with his saves.
Deportivo were breached quite a few times and the custodian made as many as seven saves to keep the scoreline at 4-0. The best of the lot was perhaps the one off a Suarez shot in the first half, even though he did well to deny Lionel Messi from the spot as well. What seemed like a certain Suarez goal was stopped by the veteran. There were doubts if the ball crossed the line, but the Spaniard’s athleticism should be lauded.
Deportivo have struggled defensively this season having conceded the second highest goals and with their first choice keeper Costel Pantilimon out injured, they need Ruben to continue impressing in goal.
#2 The injury to Paco Alcacer
Alcacer has had a pretty good season so far but such bad has his luck bee at the club that he’ll miss the all-important El Clasico and could be out until mid-January. It seemed like he stretched a muscle as there was no impact from another player as he walked off in the first half against Deportivo.
Alcacer’s absence means Valverde has a real headache of whom to start. His work rate and composure in front of goal will be missed and considering the style of play, it seems Aleix Vidal could be the best possible alternative.
Alcacer has managed four starts in the league and scored two goals. While his absence isn’t the worst possible news, it does rid Barcelona of more options, which is something you’d like to have going into the biggest game of the season.
#1 Barca and the woodwork…
Barcelona hit the woodwork an incredible five times in the game against Deportivo. Although two of them resulted in rebound goals for Paulinho, the fans and the manager will be a bit concerned regarding the inability to finish cleanly.
Lionel Messi was the culprit of hitting the woodwork as many as three times, yes, he could’ve had a hat-trick. Oh, and he did miss a penalty as well.
Barcelona are creating so many chances that some of their misses are going under the radar. But in the big games, where chances will come at a premium, the team’s lack of prolificacy in front of goal could haunt them next weekend.
In total, Barca have hit the post 19 times in the league; an astounding number.
