Barcelona might still be behind Real Madrid in the league table but they are still continuously showing some quality performances on the pitch as it was once again shown on Saturday when they defeated Sporting Gijon 3-1 despite already going a man down.
Gerard Pique’s sending off looked to cause problem for the Catalan giant but goals from Seydou Keita and Xavi in the last few minutes simply ended Gijon’s brave effort at Camp Nou.
Playing without Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, Barcelona were actually lacking a little bit of sharpness up front as their attack didn’t look as devastating when the Argentinean international was leading the attack. However, the Catalan side still managed to dominate the game and continuously creating chances after chances, which eventually lead into the opening goal scored by Andres Iniesta, late in the first half.
Leading a goal up apparently didn’t made things easier for the home team as things got rather difficult for them when Pique saw red early in the second half after fouling Miguel de las Cuevas, who was going clear on goal. The man advantage was being used superbly by Gijon who eventually grabbed an equalizer through David Barral’s flick just few minutes after Barca were reduced into 10 men, a situation that really trouble the Catalan side.
However, Gijon’s overeagerness in trying to beat Barcelona apparently hit them in the final few minutes, when Barcelona’s midfielder, Seydou Keita scored a cracking goal in the 79th minute. That goal simply stunned the visitor who started to get confused about what they should be doing on the pitch, leaving the Catalan an open door to regain full control of the game, which lead into the third goal scored by Xavi Hernandez, who chipped the ball over Juan Pablo after receiving an assist from Iniesta.
An excellent result for the Blaurgrana, which could keep their motivation high in chasing Real Madrid at La Liga this season, hoping that this weekend’s lead could really be cut into seven or at least eight. Josep Guardiola’s team unfortunately still can’t control the title chances since their rival already build a healthy lead in the top of table, which are 10 points before this Saturday.
photo credit: jeroen_bennink
