Super League Playoffs SEMI #3 FC Barcelona v #7 Tottenham
BAR - Ivan Rakitic [2] 6’
BAR - Frenkie de Jong [2] 30’
BAR - Lionel Messi [4] 45’+
TOT - Harry Kane [4] 84’
2019 SL1 CUP SEMI01 - #3 FC BARCELONA [3-1] #7 TOTTENHAM
REGULAR SEASON: MD03: BAR [0-0] TOT; MD30: TOT [0-1] BAR
Four time semifinalist Barca against first timer Tottenham, indeed before this year, Spurs have enjoyed exactly zero post-season success, but a huge upset last week in Paris, coming back from 0-2 to win, has made a lot of convincing statements about this club. It would be a hell of a run to take down Barca and come back here next week, (or maybe stay?), for the final.
Alas Barca made certain today was not a day for underdogs, jumping on Spurs in the 6th minute, when Messi assisted Ivan Rakitic’s corner blast to get the scoring started. Tottenham still had no answer in the 30th when Frenkie de Jong headed in Semedo’s cross from close range to make it 2-0 and again in first half extra time, when the catalyst for those first two goals, Messi, took a free kick just outside the box and skied it into the top corner, a helpless situation for Lloris.
3-0 at half, you might think Spurs simply did not show up, but in fact no one can question their effort, it was just simply in vain for much of the proceedings. Barca looked like their 2015-16 form, when plopping down 3 goals was like snapping their fingers, but worse for Spurs, the inability to get and/or keep possession and the offensive drought made them timid in the Barca zone when they did get there.
The 2nd was largely a slog as Spurs tried to get something going while adding a much needed bite to their defense. Barca tried and came close to a 4th goal on a few occasions, but as the match wore on, it became clear they had shifted to a more defensive posture.
Spurs finally caught a break when Heung Min Son led a breakout in the final minutes, finding Harry Kane who stayed ahead of the backline in route to firing into the far corner and alas Tottenham, after nearly 3 entire matches without a goal against Barca, got their first in the 84th. It would be the only one.
The Barca Steamroller continues pasting opponents to the asphalt, next week they will be right back here for the Final, against either SL1 champ Liverpool or Spanish rival Atletico. In either case, it is not likely to be an easy match as Barca go for their 3rd SL1 Cup.
Tough result for Tottenham, it was a gutsy run to the semis and a solid regular season at 7th place. The roster needs some work and if they get the right pieces it could see them make the next jump into the coveted inner circle.