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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-4 BARCELONA
The power and stature of Messi was the difference here. Well, Spurs were outdone in all areas, but Messi as always stood out.
Barca was 2-0 up at half-time, and bar a revival via Kane and Lamela, Barca strolled to a comfortable win, and top of the group.
Barca looks certain to progress to the next round, with Inter to come at home, and they should be favourites to win this.
As for Tottenham, qualification looks bleak and could be bleaker if they lose to PSV. Losing to Barca, in any event, is no disgrace. Plenty of teams have, and will, get done by Messi. He's been a major reason ALONE why Barca has been a serious force over the past decade.
But Spurs haven’t had the tactics and game management in both games, and need a miracle of sorts to get in the next round.
Six points from PSV would ease things, including a positive result at home to Inter. So qualification is not impossible. However, Spurs need to improve tactically, and Pochettino must ensure the best is gained from the players. It’s not impossible, but if they are to qualify, it’s in their own hands.
RATING 3/10
