10 things we learned from watching Barcelona vs Stuttgart

1) Another fine Messi
Any debate about who is the best player in the world was abruptly answered with a mesmerising performance from one Lionel Messi – sorry Wayne but you’ve got a long way to go.

It’s almost unfair to categorise the diminutive Argentinean, he scores all types of goals and plays in at least three positions at the same time. He hit two last night and narrowly missed out on a hat trick on several occasions.

The best came when he opened the scoring by curling in a left foot shot despite being surrounded by no less than four Stuttgart players. He’s not only living up to the ‘next Diego’ tag, he could soon surpass it.

2) The beautiful game
The game was decided in the first half before Barca put on an exhibition, eventually winning by a 4-0 scoreline that actually flattered ze Germans. And, their architect-in-chief , Xavi, wasn’t even playing.

The fluidity and imagination of their passing combined with the speed of their counter attacks was like watching Arsenal on crystal meth. Stuttgart were so bewildered by their creative passing triangles they could have been forgiven for thinking they were sitting a geometry test – and failing.

3) A Gross Miscalculation?
Spurs fans would have recognised their former manager and proud owner of a Travelcard, Christian Gross, in Stuttgart’s dugout.

The Austrian instructed his team with an adventurous approach that produced a more exciting start than anything witnessed during the previous night’s tactical sparring between Inter and Chelsea, but ultimately played into Barca’s hands.

By the end, Gross was left pondering on the touchline - looking like a Bond villain who had gravely overestimated his ability to deal with an opponent carrying a license to thrill.

4) Les Miserables
Thierry Henry edged a step closer to a Stateside semi-retirement in the MLS. The former Invincible has only scored a paltry three goals all season for the Catalans and couldn’t add to that tally before eventually being replaced in the second half.

Apart from a couple of neat crosses, all that was recognisable from his Arsenal heyday was that sullen faced pout he likes to pull when his ageing legs failed to reach another defence splitting pass.

5) Vote for Pedro
Even more disconcerting for Henry must be the emergence of young blood at the Nou Camp. The 19 year-old Bojan came on to score the final goal with his first touch but, even more impressive, was the young Pedro.

The latest graduate from Barca’s academy scored a classy second goal, taking his tally to 17 goals this season spanning six different club competitions.

6) In Lehman’s terms…he’s as mad as a bag of frogs!
At least he didn’t get sent off this time but eccentric keeper, Jens Lehman, proved he’s still a cheeseburger short of a Happy Meal.

The oddball keeper changed his gloves after ten minutes, made a series of rash decisions and was nearly booked after seeking attention following Ibrahimovich’s disallowed goal for offside.

At 40 years of age he is the oldest player in this season’s Champions League – and it appears he might be losing his long-running battle with dementia.

7) The Pique of the bunch?
Everyone will drool over the goals but Barca’s defensive solidity also deserves a mention, especially the central pairing of the consistently reliable Gerard Pique and his fabulous, furry friend, Carlos Puyol.

Pique is one of the few Manchester United outcasts who has gone on to scale greater heights since leaving the club. With doubts still surrounding Ferdinand’s fitness and Vidic casting eyes at Madrid, did Fergie miss a trick in letting him go?

8) Mourinho minus the attitude
It was interesting to see Barca coach, Pep Guardiola, exchange smiles and even ruffle the hair of one of Stuttgart’s players while handing him the ball for a throw-in midway through the game.

Compare that with Mourinho’s refusal to give up the ball to Michael Ballack during the course of the game at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola is living proof that nice guys do occasionally come first.

9) Oh Brother
Another player who shone brightly despite being surrounded by a galaxy of more dazzling stars was Kolo’s brother, Yaya Toure.

The long limbed Ivorian seemed to be everywhere on the pitch – breaking up play with timely tackles, making assists and coming close to scoring a goal of his own.

Arsene Wenger must rue his rare moment of misjudgement when he declined to sign the sibling after a trial.

10) Be afraid, be very afraid
One thing is for certain – when the Champions League quarter-final draw is made on Friday, English teams will want to avoid a ball with Barca’s name on it being drawn against them at any cost.

Barcelona v VfB Stuttgart: Picture special  

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