another landmark
European night as he
equaled the
Champions League
scoring record against
Ajax but doubts
remain over Luis
Enrique's Barcelona
side after a stuttering
start to the season.
The coach found himself in the eye of a storm after
Barca suffered back-to-back La Liga defeats and
although they beat Ajax 2-0 on Wednesday to book
a place in the last 16, their football was far from
fluid, especially in the first half.
Messi came to the rescue with a double that saw
him draw level with Raul on 71 goals at the top of
the Champions League all-time scoring charts.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one adrift having missed out on
the chance to add to his tally in Real Madrid's 1-0
win over Liverpool on Tuesday.
"I am happy for Leo, for the work he does for the
team and because he is the number one, the best,"
midfielder Xavi told reporters.
Barca have nine points from four games in Group F
and are a point off leaders Paris St Germain, who
beat them in France.
"In the first half, they (Ajax) were in control but after
that we played better and got three points which will
give us confidence.
"We need to keep going and winning matches. We
needed to win this game and we played some good
football at times. We also had some difficult
moments but we were playing away and in the
Champions League.
"Ajax played pressed high up the pitch and it is
normal that it would not be easy but the result is a
boost."
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INQUISITION
Barca followed up a defeat in the El Clasico against
Real Madrid with a home loss at the hands of Celta
Vigo which knocked the Catalans off top spot in La
Liga and they are now down in fourth, on 22 points
from ten games.
The defeats led to an inquisition over Luis Enrique's
tactics with the coach having chopped and changed
his side constantly and there is also talk of dressing
room unrest.
In midfield, Barca began the season with Ivan
Rakitic as the focal point and Xavi as little more
than a bit-part player but now the veteran has
reasserted his influence.
His control in midfield during the second half
against Ajax coincided with Barca's best play.
Most questions have been asked about the defence
though, where both fullbacks Dani Alves and Jordi
Alba have been off-form.
Luis Enrique surprisingly left out Alba for the El
Clasico game and instead started Jeremy Mathieu,
who was untried in that position for Barca.
In central defence, the debate has focused on
Gerard Pique who was left out of the squad against
Celta and was an unused substitute in Amsterdam.
"The style is the same now as it was before. After a
defeat you don't change your style, you just have to
keep going," Xavi added.
"The style has been the same all the time that Luis
Enrique has been in charge.
"It is down to the coach who plays.
Pique is very
important and he will be all season. The coach has
decided to play others and we are all working to
start the games. Gerard is working hard and he will
have his chances."
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