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#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.
