As far as the game goes, a few things [mainly off the ball] that are generally not noted in the television broadcasts:
1. Benzema really hustled. He was constantly in motion, pressing in coordination with Ozil and actively making runs all game. He had a great game and its a shame his header didn't go in. My buddy was pleasantly surprised because according to him, in the games he saw live last season, Benzema would just stand around for the most part.
2. Messi did absolutely nothing in the first half, and Villa didn't even move from his spot on the left wing. Yet, they both scored (freak) goals. Go figure. Thiago looked nervous through the first half hour, but had some amazing touches once he got settled. Xavi on the other hand was awesome from the minute he came on. Respect. Iniesta is also lightening quick with the ball, his acceleration out of tight spaces is something to behold.
3. After the first (and only) time Mourinho left his designated coaches area to speak with a player on the sideline, the fourth referee promptly walked over to him and made it clear that it was not allowed. Meanwhile Guardiola did the same thing repeatedly throughout the game and the fourth referee didn't tell him shit. Not even once! All this with Villar looking down from the presidential stand right above them. When Mourinho spoke last season about the power that Pep wields with the referees, specifically mentioning what I saw about leaving the coaches area, he wasn't kidding.
4. This was the second time I've seen Xabi Alonso play in person. His ability to control and set up a pass in one touch, and then place a 35 yard pin-point cross field pass is absolutely amazing.
5. The Bernabeu loves Higuain, he got the warmest reception after Iker Casillas. I thought Pipa did really well too, but he needs to get his acceleration back.
6. Marcelo is a tenacious defender 1-on-1. I loved the intensity. For the most part he completely shut down Alexis/Pedro.
7. The way Barcelona players dive, then lay on the ground crying, ALL GAME LONG, is unbearably frustrating. If it looks pathetic on TV its even worse in person when you see them get up and sprint without a problem once the whistle blows. It's as if part of their game plan is to dive, playact, piss off the opposition so that they lose concentration, and then do a quick restart to create a counterattack. Rinse and repeat.
8. The suspect looking group of kids directly in front of me, who celebrated the start of the match by sparking a fat joint (kind of awesome), reacted to Dani Alves's latest Oscar worthy performance via the time honored tradition of calling him a monkey (not so cool). While I don't condone such name calling, I would very much enjoy seeing Alves get kicked in the teeth. Hard. He is a piece of shit. Actually, the word shit does not even begin to describe how pathetic his attitude and general being is. Fuck that guy. After seeing him roll around for the umpteenth time I actually questioned my masculinity for liking a sport where pros are allowed, nay encouraged, to act like such massive pussies. And don't get me started on the way he waves his finger at the ref when a foul is called on him. The guy thinks he's fucking Beyonce out there. Seriously, he is a disgrace to the fucking sport.
