The birth of the best 'false nine' of all time

This 2-6 victory served to seal the league for Barca in the 08/09 season, knocking back second-placed Real Madrid. However it was more than a win, it was a demonstration of the sheer power of Pep Guardiola's much-missed Barcelona, and the confirmation that a legendary team had been born.

Messi, Henry, Eto'o, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol...The Catalan side breezed past a Madrid side that had won 17 games out of 18 under new manager Juande Ramos, making their attempt to close the gap on Barca look futile. Weeks later, Florentino Perez would return to take back his position as president of Madrid.

On this day, we also witnessed the birth of the best version of Leo Messi. Having played down the wing since his breakthrough to the Barca first team, Pep Guardiola ordered him to move into a more central position on the pitch.

In fact, it all began with a phonecall the night before the clash. Messi met with Pep at 22:00. "Leo, tomorrow in Madrid you are going to start on the wing as usual," Pep told him. "But if I signal to you, drop just behind the midfielders and move around in this area that I've just showed you. When Xavi or Andres break forward and pass to you, go straight towards the goal." 

This conversation was uncovered by Marti Perarnau, a journalist and writer, who has written various books about the Catalan coach. Guardiola discovered that between Guti, Gago, Drenthe and the centre-backs, there was a lot of space. Ideal for a quick and skillful player like Leo to exploit. 

Xavi confirmed this story just a few weeks ago. "That was when he moved Messi to false nine," he stated. "He knew that the Madrid centre-backs wouldn't go and press Messi, which meant that Messi, Iniesta and me would have a two-against-three in the centre of the pitch. He repeated that this is where the game would be."

- First blood from Madrid, devastating reply from Barca -

Madrid actually started the game on top, when Higuain headed them in front, but it didn't last long. Henry pulled Barca level, then Puyol and Messi put them ahead. Ramos grabbed one back for Real after the break, and there was half an hour left for an equaliser.

It wasn't to be though, as Barcelona began their demolition. Henry, Messi and Pique massacred 'Los Blancos', putting them to the sword with three more goals. This all happened nine years ago to the day, but with 'El Clasico' approaching this weekend, it is highly unlikely we will see a similar game.

 

April 20, 2017