Celtic dismally failed to live up to their brave heart image last night, but their gutless performance at the Nou Camp should not detract from the fact that this was a FC Barcelona victory worthy of note.
Above all, this will be remembered as the match in which Neymar showed what he is capable of as a playmaker, on and off the ball, assisting, delivering, and scoring goals-his Champion’s League drought transformed into a flowing hat rick.
And to have Neymar showing his true talent, and visibly enjoying himself, is a potentially huge morale booster to Barca that has been struggling to come to t terms with the post-Guardiola era. It remains to be seen whether the young Brazilian’s growing stardom clashes with or complements. Messi’s(once the Argentinian recovers from his injury).
We shall also have to wait and see whether Tata Martino’s rotations and tactical shifts are an effective method capable of success against stronger, more skilled teams, as Barca enters the more demanding stages of the Champions League.
Such was Barca’s dominance last night that Neymar and Pedro could permit themselves a hug and a smile after colliding , like a bunch of overzealous schoolboys with each other and squandering a clear goal scoring opportunity. But the fact remains that while Barca managed its 6-1 victory against weak opposition it still seems to be lacking the coalescing sense of identity that was previously rooted in a commanding midfield.
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