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Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the first half, but made amends with a goal in the 55th minute and then doubling Barca's lead in the 66th minute, while also hitting the post.
Here are the major talking points from the game:
#1 Lionel Messi’s penalty record
Gone are the days when things were so good at Barcelona that they indulged themselves in tandem penalties - when Messi and Suarez paid tribute to Johan Cruyff. Even when Rodrigo Ely hauled down Gerard Pique in the box followed by the referee (correctly) blowing for a foul, there was a strange unease about the chances of Barcelona taking the lead.
The Argentine wizard has solved all aspects of football, but it seems penalties still remain a bit of a lottery for him. In his entire career Messi has missed 20.83% of the penalties he has taken for both club and country, with 20 of the 96 he’s taken not finding the back of the net.
Perhaps it’s time for Valverde to suggest that someone else take over penalty duties. Messi’s brilliant enough to score in open play, as 351 goals in La Liga suggest.
#2 Deportivo Alaves may not miss Marcos Llorente and Theo Hernandez terribly
Plenty of pundits predicted that Marcos Llorente’s return to Real Madrid, in addition to Theo Hernandez’ departure would have resulted in Alaves having a tough time of it in La Liga. Curiously, however, that side with Llorente and Theo lost 6-0 to Barcelona at the Mendizorozza, so there was definite room for improvement.
Alaves were superbly organised in the first half, and the one time they managed to get behind Barca’s right side in the first half, Ter Stegen made a brilliant save to deny Ruben Sobrino a certain goal. The start of the second half ought to have had the hosts take the lead only for Sobrino to be inches away from turning in a low cross.
Messi’s first goal had its share of fortune, and Alvares will rue the mistake that gifted Barca the second goal and the win. There were plenty of positives, especially Pacheco being stunning in goal as well as Wakaso’s performance in the middle - with Enzo Zidane’s cameo a nice touch. The Mendizorozza will be a tough place to come to this season.
#3 Nelson Semedo and Paco Alcacer may be wondering what they have to do
Paco Alcacer may have been the sole person associated with Barcelona who had a smidgen of pleasure when Luis Suarez' injury was confirmed. With the departure of Neymar, the Spaniard may have been expecting a start up-front, given the lack of options at Ernesto Valverde's disposal, accompanied with a change in shape.
The Barca boss remains insistent on his shape, with Aleix Vidal starting in the front three. However, when Alcacer came on, he combined very well with Leo Messi upfront, and perhaps gave his manager something to think about.
As for Nelson Semedo, his absence was a wee bit bewildering, especially after looking fantastic whenever he has been afforded a chance. Sergi Roberto could have conceivably been played in attack, thus offering far more balance on the right wing. As it were, it was the weak side for Barcelona, especially in the first half.
#4 A semblance of Tiki-taka?
Lionel Messi in a false nine role - I'm sure there were plenty of socios adjusting their *ahems* at the thought, with memories of Guardiola's vintage flashing before their eyes. However, the false nine that Messi played tonight was rather different. Very different.
The first Barcelona goal was pretty tiki-taka though - Andres Iniesta weighing a perfect through ball to an overlapping fullback in the form of Jordi Alba, who squared a low cross to Messi making a run to the near post. There was a bit of fortune as the Argentine's strike was deflected in, but the glimmer of times gone by still exists.
Barcelona were patient in possession at the back, with Umtiti, Ter Stegen and Pique all taking their time even when pressed. The Blaugrana look far more sedate under Valverde, which may suit a team that has to make to with the departure of Neymar. He's slowly but surely beginning to make his imprint on this side.
#5 Messidependencia... but who wouldn't?
Here's Lionel Messi's contribution to Barcelona in recent times:
Barcelona do not have the contribution of Neymar this season, with Luis Suarez also looking like his goal threat will reduce as he ages. However, as long as you have Lionel Messi, Barcelona will have a say in La Liga this season, despite all the negativity surrounding the club at the moment.
Messi's history making goal was a bit lucky, but the second was pure predatory brilliance, with his meer presence forcing Alaves into a defensive error. He's the best of all time in La Liga, and even Cristiano Ronaldo cannot come close, let alone anyone in the future.
With Valverde hinting at further signings, perhaps there are brighter times for Barcelona, with Messi leading the way.
