Although Barcelona and Lionel Messi at times seem perfect, nobody in football is something that Josep Guardiola's men found in the last two games.
After 16 consecutive victories, Barcelona lost speed and force, because yesterday's defeat 2-1 to Arsenal in London for the Champions League came after a tie 1-1 in Spanish League against Sporting Gijon, reports DPA .
Two games, no wins and no Messi scoring goals: a novelty after an impressive run.
Two unexpected results, however, does not seem to concern either the team or the fans.
"Let me have faith in these players. They have shown too many times, for too long to do so. It is the second leg at home, we earn the right. I see no reason to be optimistic," he argued Guardiola after defeat.
The Catalan press complained about the arbitration, although he admitted that Barcelona did not offer the usual level after the break after playing a great first half.
"Barca, if he plays as you know, should have no problems to overcome the heat, but will be a new effort in a calendar full of important games. Arsenal Barca is lower, but better when the Catalans lower level," said "Sport."
To "Mundo Deportivo", "Barca is superior to this excellent Arsenal, hence the defeat leaves the stomach removed."
The accused Barcelona in London two curious "curses" Guardiola is still a win away from qualifying for the Champions League, Messi continues unchecked in the English countryside.
Indeed, Barcelona is feeling the slight dip in performance of Messi, although Argentina's David Villa gave paths assists in the goals against Sporting Gijon and Arsenal.
Arsenal, just started the game, Messi missed one of those occasions that all fans are on goal before the ball enters. It was in a dogfight that ended with a shot that went out. In addition, the referee annulled a goal in the first half, a move highly contested by the visitors.
Although statistical data leaves a very curious: Barcelona lost four games all season and they all agreed with the absence of central Carlos Puyol, the team captain.
The Catalan defender suffers from tendinitis in his left knee and has not yet recovered. As reflected by the numbers, your team needs.
The Barcelona experience shows that usually goes through in recent years a small bump at this stage of the season. From now starts the most important stretch of the campaign and the Barca team, leading the Spanish league with five points ahead of Real Madrid can not afford to neglect.
What is certain is that the Barcelona of the records came down to earth, if only for a couple of games, and both Sporting de Gijón as Arsenal proved that no team is infallible. Even the struggling to be considered the best of all time.
