Thursday, October 3, 2013

Champions League: Red card paved way for a Barcelona win over Celtic

Scott Brown sent off after Neymar kick
Barcelona hacked out a 1-0 win in the second round of group stage elimination in the 2013-2014 Champion's League season.  It was proved that the sending off of Celtic midfielder Scott Brown after kicking Barcelona winger Neymar is the game changer.  In the 58th minute, Neymar flicked the ball to evade a Celtic defender.  Neymar was about to break away but Brown stayed with him and forced him down.  Video showed Brown made an extra kick on Neymar's lower back and cause the latter to writhe in pain. 

Before the sent off, both teams are engaged in a protracted tactical game each waiting the other to make a crucial mistake.   Despite being reduced to 10 men, Celtic almost seize the initiative in the 73rd minute twice. First, Charlie Mulgrew's throw in was headed by Virgil Van Dyk to James Forrest.  Forrest finding enough space squared but his blasting strike was brilliantly blocked by Basilio Valdes for another Celtic corner.  In the ensuing play, Kris Commons corner kick finds Charlie Mulgrew in the right end of the penalty box who then headed the ball but missed the target by few inches.  

Barcelona however responded almost immediately thereafter.  Inn the 75th minute.  Neymar received a long ball from Busquets.  Neymar then slide the ball to Alexi Sanchez on the right flank and set up a cross to Cesc Fabregas who finish with a header that send the ball inside the far post. 

Barcelona also pounded the Celtic goal in the 88th minute as Neymar's shot was deflected by Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Foster.  The rebound went to Alexi Sanchez whose quick follow up was stopped again by Foster. 

Its Barcelona's second win after beating Dutch side Ajax in the first game.