Both managers made surprise selection decisions upfront, but Barcelona’s line-up worked better.
Gerardo Martino left out both Alexis Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez, naming Cesc Fabregas as one of his three attackers.
Carlo Ancelotti omitted Karim Benzema and brought Gareth Bale into the side. Daniel Carvajal started at right-back, and three nominal three centre-backs were used: Pepe,...
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Nigeria were more adventurous than the majority of Spain’s opponents, but they left plenty of space for the World Champions to break into.
After changing almost his entire team for the thrashing of Tahiti, Vicente del Bosque returned to the outfield side that defeated Uruguay, although Victor Valdes was in goal.
Stephen Keshi brought back Sunday...
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Spain’s level of dominance should have resulted in a much more emphatic victory.
Xabi Alonso is unavailable for the Confederations Cup because of injury, and in his absence Vicente del Bosque changed the structure of his side, using Sergio Busquets as the sole holder, moving Xavi Hernandez into the role he plays at Barcelona, and...
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PSG were elimintated on the away goals rule following a good counter-attacking display.
Tito Vilanova named Lionel Messi on the bench, with Cesc Fabregas deployed upfront after his weekend hattrick. Adriano played alongside Gerard Pique at the back.
Carlo Ancelotti was without the suspended Blaise Matudi, so used Marco Verratti alongside Thiago Motta, with David Beckham...
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Real pressed effectively in the first half, but Barcelona exerted their dominance after the break.
With various absences, Jose Mourinho was forced to name a makeshift backline – Ricardo Carvalho played alongside Rafael Varane, Alvaro Arbeloa had to play left-back, so Michael Essien deputised on the right. New signing Diego Lopez started in goal, Jose...
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