Neymar and Messi secured a 6-0 Win for Barcelona over Granada during 2014/15 La Liga Season. Neymar top-scored with his 1st La Liga hat-trick.
Table of contents
Buildup
Barcelona entered matchday 6 with a draw against Malaga on their backs. They were placed 2nd in the League Table, just behind Valencia. In contrast, Granada arrived with an air of confidence following a decisive away win over Bilbao, which pushed them to 8th place in the League Table.
Rafinha’s injury kept him out of action for Barcelona, while Granada’s newly signed Luis Martins and Dany Nounkeu made their first appearances in the squad.
Luis Enrique went with the usual 4-3-3 formation, while Joaquin Caparros of Granada went with a 4-4-2 formation.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127182089@N07/15183475480/
First Half
Despite coming off a goalless draw, Barcelona commenced the game on an offensive note, forcing two early corners. However, it took 26 minutes to break the deadlock, as Neymar scored his fourth goal of the season with a deflected shot on goal.
Granada seemed uncomfortable containing Barcelona’s frequent attacks, ultimately conceding another goal in the 43rd minute. This time, it was Ivan Rakitic who scored the header from a cross by Lionel Messi.
And it didn’t take long for Barcelona to widen their lead when Neymar scored again in the 45th minute, giving them a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the half time.
Is Inigo Martinez a good signing for Barcelona?
Second Half
Granada responded immediately to the awful first-half performance by making two changes at halftime, whereas Enrique kept the same starting lineup. Barcelona made their first substitution around the hour mark, sending on Roberto to replace Rakitic.
Soon after, 17 minutes into the second half, Messi volleyed Dani Alves’ cross for his 400th career goal, putting Barcelona up 4-0. And it didn’t take long for Barcelona to go 5-0 ahead, with Neymar completing his hat trick four minutes later, assisted by Messi.
Lucho made two more changes going deep into the game by bringing on Marc Barta and Sandro Ramirez for Busquets and Munir, respectively.
Messi closed off the overpowering display with another goal in the 82nd minute to make it 6-0.
https://twitter.com/CricCollection/status/516168437304143872?s=20
Post Match Reflections
Barcelona thoroughly dominated Granada in front of 72,000 spectators at Camp Nou. They owned 69% of the possession and recorded 12/19 shots on target.
Neymar completed his hat trick, while Messi contributed two goals and two assists, leading from the front.
Xavi stole the show after returning to the side in place of Iniesta, while Dani Alves reaffirmed his significance to the formation.
Do you expect Barcelona to put on a similar show against Granada on next matchday?
Comment Below!
