What a match. The review on goal is very promising, saying that “Barca are back”. I don’t know what Pep said to them, but it sure as hell worked.

Oh and Busquets is a monster. No doubt that if he performs consistantly over the next few years, a full-fledged man-crush may be in motion.

And the partnership between Messi and Alves rocks.

HOWEVER…. our defense is still not good. and i think i’ve identified the problem, though i don’t like saying it: Puyol is just too slow. every chance Sporting had, including the goal, were a result of Rafa playing too far up the pitch and Puyol not being able to get back in time. look: the kind of long possession play that we do, and do beautifully at times, requires other teams to hit us on the counterattack. smart teams will park 10 men behind the ball when we have it and look every time for quick breaks through our back line. therefore, we need center backs who are not just capable otherwise but above of FAST ENOUGH to track these players back if they get caught out, which will inevitably happen to anyone. Puyol just doesn’t have that speed anymore (i don’t think Rafa does either, but the way he and Puyol play he doesn’t need to chase as often).

if this is the case, we have tough options. either replace Puyol with someone (ideally i would say Pique, who is quite fast especially for such a big guy) and keep Rafa in the middle for his distribution qualities; or keep Puyol for his leadership and the occasional good tackle but pair him with a fast center back that will play a bit more centrally and further back to protect us against the counter.

that’s how i see it anyway.

Xavi’s pushing up as an attacking player i really, really like though. he and Iniesta work so well together; i swear i’ve seen them do that exact same combination a half-dozen times.

Busquets looks good. Cud be the defensive midfielder for the future if we can beef him up a little.