Barcelona’s Dominant Return to Form
Barcelona delivered a masterclass performance at Camp Nou, crushing Granada 6-0 in a match that saw Lionel Messi reach his 400th career goal and Neymar secure a stunning hat-trick. After a disappointing midweek draw against Malaga, the Catalans responded emphatically, showcasing their attacking brilliance under Luis Enrique’s tactical setup.
Granada, who had only conceded three goals prior to this match, were completely outclassed by Barca’s relentless attacking trio—Messi, Neymar, and Munir El Haddadi. The visitors’ defensive discipline collapsed under constant pressure, allowing the Blaugrana to exploit gaps with surgical precision.
Match Breakdown: Tactical Brilliance and Key Moments
First Half: Neymar & Rakitic Set the Tone
Granada initially showed resilience, with Isaac Success and Youssef El Arabi threatening early. However, a defensive error from Héctor Yuste gifted Neymar possession, and the Brazilian’s deflected strike opened the floodgates.
- Neymar’s Opener (21’): A misplaced Granada pass allowed Neymar to drive forward, with his shot taking a deflection off Babin to wrong-foot goalkeeper Roberto.
- Rakitic’s Header (38’): Messi’s pinpoint cross found Ivan Rakitic, who powered in a header for his second goal in three games.
- Neymar’s Second (43’): A spilled save from Roberto fell to Neymar, who lashed it into the top corner.
Second Half: Messi’s Milestone & Neymar’s Hat-Trick
Barcelona continued their dominance after the break, with Messi and Neymar running riot.
- Messi’s 400th (61’): Dani Alves delivered a perfect cross, and Messi arrived at the far post to head home his historic goal.
- Neymar Completes His Treble (70’): Messi turned provider, slipping in Neymar for a composed finish.
- Messi Adds a Sixth (82’): The Argentine dispossessed Jeison Murillo before slotting past Roberto.
Post-Match Analysis: What This Means for Barcelona
Tactical Takeaways
- High Pressing & Quick Transitions: Barcelona suffocated Granada’s buildup, forcing errors and capitalizing on counterattacks.
- Messi’s Versatility: The Argentine operated as a false nine, dropping deep to create while also being lethal in the box.
- Defensive Solidity: Despite Granada’s early chances, Barça’s backline, led by Mathieu, remained composed.
Expert Opinion: Mcw Insight
“Messi and Neymar’s chemistry is unmatched. When these two click, Barcelona becomes unstoppable. Granada had no answer to their movement and interplay.” – Mark Thompson, Football Tactics Analyst.
Conclusion: A Statement Victory for Barcelona
Barcelona’s 6-0 demolition of Granada was more than just a win—it was a statement. Messi’s 400th goal and Neymar’s hat-trick reaffirm their status as Europe’s deadliest attacking duo. With this performance, the Catalans have sent a clear message to their rivals: they are back to their best.
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