Barcelona vs. BATE Borisov
December 6, 2011
Camp Nou
Barcelona, Spain
Barça had the luxury of playing the last group game of the UEFA Champions League tonight safe in the knowledge that they would top their group regardless of the result. Another upside of this was that the youngsters from Barca B were given the opportunity to step out of the long shadows cast by the resident superstars and prove what they could do in front of the Camp Nou.
Barcelona player Marc Bartra goes high for a ball against BATE. (UEFA.com)
Starting berths were handed out to Champions League newcomers Montoya, Fontas and Bartra at the back, with Maxwell the only one of the back four with decent first team experience. Dos Santos and the Alacantra brothers, Rafinha and Thiago, composed the midfield and a new look forward line of Cuenca, Pedro and Sergi Roberto were eager to impress on such a prestigious stage.
From the get go Barca were electric. The players were all over the park and anyone who tuned in late could have been forgiven for thinking that Guardiola had fielded his best eleven. Thiago, less content to play it safe among his old friends from the B team, showed some of the deft touches and flicks that have cemented his place in the first team squad.
Disciple of Messi 