Possession? Or the final result? It's a debate that is sure to polarise the fanbase, who clearly appreciate the team exerting complete control over the opposition -- just as they appreciate landslide wins. My personal view? The latter is perhaps more important, but in an ideal world, the club achieve both -- exerting control over a game isn't just about possession, nor is it about the final result. It's a combination of the two. A 4-0 win isn't tainted by 45% possession, but it is enhanced by 65, 75 or 85% possession.
Still, the possession statistics can take nothing away from what was a very good performance from the visiting Blaugrana. Travelling to Vallecas is a tough proposal for most teams, regardless of Rayo's current form (or lack thereof) -- but Barcelona have made it look easy. 7-0, 5-0; now 4-0 -- it's almost become a home away from home for the Catalans.
Pedro returned to form with a superb hat-trick, reminding some Cules of his talents in front of goal. While it's only one game, it was an encouraging performance from the Spanish winger; is it a coincidence that our best seasons in recent memory have involved a fully-fit and scoring Pedro on the wing? Cesc Fabregas continued his fine form with a goal of his own late on, while Lionel Messi didn't score, but performed admirably as the false nine, occasionally wandering out to the right to wreak havoc on poor Johan Mojica. Neymar could have finished with a brace on another night -- and who can forget Victor Valdes' impressive penalty save?
Note: This is the full game -- not a highlights packageMore from Barca Blaugranes:
- From The Mind of Xoel: Rayo 0 - 4 Barça. Tiki-"Tata" Helps Give Barça the Win.
- La Liga: Rayo Vallecano 0-4 FC Barcelona: Match Review
- La Liga: Rayo Vallecano vs FC Barcelona: Live Game Thread
- FC Barcelona News: 21 September 2013; Barça Travel to Madrid Without Sergio Busquets, Third Kit Revealed
- La Liga: FC Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano: Predict the Score