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SCORE: Real Valladolid 0-1 Barcelona (Dembele 57')
Barcelona travelled to Real Valladolid in the second week of LaLiga after getting off to the perfect start against Deporvito Alaves on Matchday 1.
Ernesto Valverde decided to keep his faith in largely the same side, with players who came in during the transfer window only finding a place on the bench.
In a game that was devoid of glittering moments, played on a pitch of questionable quality, Barcelona managed to grab the lead early in the second half and then proceeded to hold off the home side for the rest of the game for all three points, and keep their 100% win record in the early stages of LaLiga 2018/19 intact.
Here are the Talking Points from a win that had a lot to do with VAR technology:
#5 Messi was far from his delightful best on a torrid pitch
Lionel Messi was at his stupendous best in the home game against Alaves in Matchweek 1. However, he failed to find the magic he so generally does to land lethal blows on the opposition.
A brace - including a free-kick he rolled under the wall - against Deporvito was not followed up with the usual heroics that fans of Barcelona have become so accustomed to seeing.
A look at the pitch would've given you an indication as to why that was the case. The Jose Zorilla Stadium played host to the game, but the pitch was far from welcoming. The grass gave way at every possible moment and resembled a rugged rugby field rather than a football pitch.
There were heaps of grass gatherings - uprooted from the ground as players looked to find traction on the ground but failed miserably. Managers often ask their players to keep the ball on the ground, but this particular ground made it almost impossible to do so.
#4 Valladolid stood firm for long periods, gave Barca a headache or two
The home side proved to be a tough side to break down, like they did in the opening game of the Spanish top-flight, away to Girona. That particular game had ended in a goalless draw and the hosts would've felt that they deserved a share of the spoils in the game against the Champions as well.
They were resolute in defence, held their shape and contended with most of the stars in the Barcelona side. In fact, despite going a goal down in the opening stages of the second half, they refused to wither away, trading punches with the Spanish giants and almost landed a knock-out punch in the final seconds of the game, and they would've had it not been for the introduction of VAR in the Spanish game this season.
#3 Ousmane Dembele hit the heights on a flat day for the Catalans
The World Cup winner has been the subject of major transfer speculation with many expecting him to leave the club he only joined a year ago, with interest from Arsenal and Liverpool making the rounds in the dailies.
The new season has arrived and so has Ousmane Dembele. The World Cup winner was the best player on the pitch for the Catalans and looked most likely to make the difference on the night. And so he did.
Luis Suarez swung in a ball from the left flank to Sergi Roberto whose knockdown was drilled into the back of the net, first time, by the Frenchman. This performance will hopefully spark the talented winger's career into life at the Camp Nou.
#2 Vidal-Malcolm almost conjure up something out of nothing
Both the newcomers failed to find a spot in the starting lineup but were given a few moments on the pitch by Ernesto Valverde in the closing periods of the game. Arturo Vidal came on to replace Barcelona's best player on the night, Ousmane Dembele.
The Chilean was soon joined by Barcelona's marquee signing this summer, Malcolm. The Brazilian had little time to impress his boss and the fans after he replaced Philippe Coutinho who, much like Messi, failed to find the same form he did against Alaves - scoring a scorcher to open his account for the campaign against them.
The two substitutes linked up to almost give Barcelona a two-goal lead - Vidal's hopeful ball forward was latched onto by the Brazilian who turned on the thrusters to find himself one-on-one with the keeper. A strong right hand from the man between the sticks denying him a first LaLiga goal for his new side.
#1 Barcelona hold onto 3 points by the skin of their teeth
Barcelona looked like there were in for heartbreak after managing to contend with not just the torrid pitch but also the guts shown by the home side, as Valladolid found the back of the net in the final minute of the game.
Pandamonium broke out amongst the home support but the referee would soon get word in his ear that the goal would have to be ruled out because Keko diving header inside the six-yard area was invalid as he had strayed offside. Matter of inches.
Barcelona managed to cling onto all three points despite Real Valladolid looking good for a point for the majority of the game.
