Ferencváros 0-3 FC Barcelona: 100 per cent record!

Despite missing several key players, Barça cruised to the three points in their first trip to Hungary for 45 years to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Champions League. Particularly in the first half they were simply magnificent, with each of three forwards getting on the scoresheet, including one goal, the second, that was a goal as ‘Made in Barça’ as any you are likely to see.

Absentees

Messi, Ter Stegen and Coutinho were rested. Ansu Fati, Umtiti, Piqué and Araújo were injured. Sergi Roberto tested positive for Covid-19. Barça were missing a lot of players for a game that ultimately mattered little… qualification for the last sixteen was already assured and there are some critical Liga clashes coming up in the next few weeks.

But for this game Ferencváros, still chasing a Europa league berth, were often mere spectators to an absolute masterclass from a Barça team featuring several less regular players, but who were keen to impress Ronald Koeman in much the same way as they had cone against Dynamo Kiev.

Hungry in Hungary

From the very moment, it was sheer brilliance across the park from the boys in blaugrana. Jordi Alba and Dembélé were deadly down the left, Dest impeccable on the right, and Griezmann and Braithwaite on fire in attack.

Barça were all over the Hungarians and the ball was inevitably going to find the net sooner or later. It happened after 14 minutes, fine pieces of work from Dembélé and Alba in the build-up and a cheeky heeled finished from Griezmann. That's goals in three consecutive games for the Frenchman and a fifth assist of the campaign for Alba.

It was relentless from Barça and a matter of minutes later, Dembélé was feeding the ball into the danger zone and Martin Braithwaite was there to continue his wonderful form in front of goal. No fewer than 33 interrupted passes from Barça in the build-up! It’s all falling into place now, a joy to watch!

Braithwaite could have scored another when he was brought crashing to the ground. An obvious penalty, and Dembélé was the man to take it. And he made no mistake.

Total control

3-0 at half-time and Barça’s domination had been astonishing. A ten out of ten performance from all but Neto, but not through any fault of his own… The Barça keeper had had practically nothing to do!

We saw a bit more of ‘Fradi’ in the second half, and they may even have scored had Neto done so well to keep Baturina's header at bay.

But Barça, wearing the yellow and red ‘senyera’ colours, were still well on top. Dembélé, proudly wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, was still electric, Trincão had chances to score, Pjanic also came frustratingly close to his first goal for the club.

One to go

Barça may have won all five games, but they still aren’t guaranteed top spot in Group G. Juventus, who comfortably beat Dynamo Kyiv this evening, could still take it with a two-goal win at Camp Nou next week. If Barça can replicate the kind of performances they have been producing in Europe this season, then they should be able to pass that test. Watch this space!