Barcelona saw off a spirited challenge from Dundee United with a five star performance. The final score of 1-5 may have been too harsh on Dundee players and fans. Against all expectation it was Dundee who took the lead and it has to be said that the team's response to the goal was simply outstanding. Barcelona started the match with Valdes on Goal, Alves, Caceres, Marquez, Victor Sanchez in the defense. Keita, Crosas, Gudjohnsen formed the midfield with Pedrito, Henry and Bojan upfront. The second half team was Pinto on goal; Alves , Caceres, Pique, Victor Sanchez. Midfield was replaced by Victor Vazquez, Toure and Busquets. While as expected Messi and Eto'o joined with Jeffren to provide the attacking sticnt. Barcelona didn't start the match the was they dominated against Hibernians. Henry had the best of chances in the early exchanges but as usual he missed most of them. In the 25th minute Dundee took the lead from Bauben's header. Caceres was the initial culprit allowing the cross to reach the left of the post, but then the entire defense made a mess by rushing to the left and leaving Bauben unmarked. For all the addition to the defense our weakness with set pieces still remains. A minute later Barcelona equalled with henry scoring his second goal in as many of matches. Dundee United defense made a mess of a harmless Alves cross and Henry took full advantage of it on the rebound.
The entry of Messi and Eto changed the complexion of the match completely. In the 54th minute, Messi madehis trade mark run from the left drawing defenders along with him, he played a wonderful 1-2 with Eto and slotted the ball past the Keeper. The third goal came from a silly mistake in the 60th minute when the Dundee midfielder's back passed straight to Eto who had only the keeper to beat. In the 76th minute Messi scored his second goal with a wonderful volley after combaining again with Eto, Eto did outystandingly well to pass the ball to messi when he was surrounded by a 4-5 defenders. Undoubtedly that was the best goal of the match. In the 80th minute Messi completed his hat-trick after the goal keeper made a save from Eto's feet, but the rebound fell straight to Messi. Messi had an excellent night, but for me Eto was the outstanding player. Moreover he might have sowed enough doubts on mind of Guardiola. Indeed it will be very tough to find an equally successful player.