Statistics speak for themselves

 
Three players that tend to do the ‘hidden’ duties in the team stood out in particular for Barça in the first leg of the Champions League semi final, Deco, Zambrotta and Touré.
Barça were better than Manchester United and only needed to score to travel to Old Trafford in a much more comfortable position. The team operated as a unit and the work put in by players like Deco, Zambrotta and Touré was outstanding. Deco was back from injury, the Italian had his best game of the season, and Touré once again showed how important his physical power can be, especially in these European ties.

Deco’s character

Although he had not started a game for two months, Deco had no problem staying out 77 minutes on the pitch. The Portuguese player seems to have a whole new attitude and took the initiative on several occasions after the early penalty scare. In the time he was on the pitch he took part in 115 actions and made more crosses into the area than anybody else in the side (6).

Leaders in steals

Touré and Zambrotta won the most balls for Barça. The Ivorian midfielder once again demonstrated his physical might and made no fewer than nine good tackles. The Italian managed to keep the dangers of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Park away, making eight tackles. These players also made the most clearances, 11 and 13 respectively, a tally only topped by Abidal with 16.