The Big Drog

Anyway that was a game of the highest quality, really top drawer stuff. Barcelona will be a bit disappointed with Messi having had a chance to make it 4-1 but instead a mistake by Valdes allows Di Maria in to make it 3-2. Leaves the tie wide open going into the second leg. I have to say though Barcelona certainly looked like the better side, it will take something exceptional to stop Barcelona from winning La Liga and the Champions League. My pick for motm is Andres Iniesta, nothing short of superb throughout.

Excellent half from Barcelona, only thing missing is a goal. One of the obvious differences that Vilanova seems to have implemented is the greater use of the sweeping cross field pass (more often to the right than the left due to how high up the pitch Alves is). It was noticeable against Sociedad and it's noticeable again tonight. He also seems to be giving Pedro the chance to find his form again after a disappointing season last term. It's a good thing, he offers natural width and balance to the side. Some of the football has been terrific, looks like only a matter of time until Barcelona score.

Delighted. If this can help to put a stop to Ramires starting on the right wing then it is a very good thing. I think he is a very talented player. Very quick, direct, skilful and offers a natural width but also a versatility. With Marin, he is one of the two natural wide players in the first team squad. He is young, has good Premier League experience and lots of potential and for £9 million it is a good deal. Again, huge credit to the board and Roman, giving us another game changing option in the squad.

They couldn't have been more wrong.

By the way, you can only laugh at the doubts that were creeping in amongst some posters in regards Hazard's pre season performances. It's clear he has quality of the highest order, like most players, he just didn't take friendly matches that seriously.

Terrific second half performance to turn the game around. When we had Hazard, Oscar and Mata all on the pitch at once we were really flowing, at times in that second half we were an absolute joy to watch, the third goal being a prime example of that (yes it was offside but wonderful move to set the whole thing up). Eden Hazard is jaw-droppingly good, the man is awe-inspiring, he has it all and, much like Mata and Oscar, is a joy to watch. Roll on Saturday, really looking forward to the game against Newcastle

Right back has been a problem for along time, this is the long term solution. Great signing by the board, technically very good, defensively able, young and not too a ridiculous amount of money.

Seriously man? Ye we did brilliantly against them over two legs and we had a lot of fortune in getting through against them. But Barcelona have set a new standard in football which all other teams must try to catch up to.

Spot on. Far too much negativity. Imagine if what happened to Liverpool happened today, or Spurs or Arsenal. We did well to win, it was a promising start to a side that will still be adjusting to how to play. On top of that we saw quality performances from two Premier League debutants in Hazard and Oscar. With a couple more signings I don't see why we can't challenge for the league. Reading some of the posts on here you would think we were just hammered by Wigan.

Made a few string runs on and off the ball. Should have had a penalty in the first half and was unlucky not to score in the second half. No it wasn't his greatest game but he did pretty well.

Great result, particularly considering those of Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool yesterday. Just confirmed what we knew, Eden Hazard is a star. Torres led the line well and was unlucky not to score. Mata played very well and interlinked with Hazard brilliantly. Mikel and Lampard looked pretty solid and improved in possession in the second half. Luiz was excellent at centre back as was Bertrand on the left flank. Oscar also with an encouraging cameo, a few flashes of quality, a sure sign of things to come. Very good start, always nice to pick up 3 points in your first game and encouraging signs for the season.

Stunning from Hazard, everything he does screams class. The turn and pass for the first goal is jaw-dropping. I think we do need more of the ball, we've dropped back too much. Hopefully we can get back on the front foot. Luiz, Mata and Mikel all did well in that half.

Odd decision but it proves that we do need another winger, be it Moses or Hulk. Shame that Oscar doesn't start but it's understandable. Hopefully we see him at some point. Real shame that we are without Marin today.

Stirring cameo from the big man. Well taken goal, dominated the Liverpool backline during his time on the pitch. Should have had at least 1 assist but for bad finishing, Very good start.

He drifts. He likes to drop deep and influence the play, sometimes he drifts beyond the central striker (happened quite a few times against Sweden on Wednesday night), he drifts left, he drifts right (more right than left). Put him in the double pivot and all of that is gone, he has to sit deep, make the occasional run forward but that's it. It's a complete waste of an extraordinary talent. His best role is that of a number 10 and that's the one I hope he plays but if not he can play wide right, with the freedom to drift. Once he is part of the 3 behind the striker is the main thing.

Room for a latecomer? Just joined the fantasy league. Name Jason Ryan, team name "Tectonic Tiki Taka" Team currently consists of Krul Clichy, Vertonghen, Kompany, Enrique Cleverly, Allen, Carrick Podolski, Torres (captain), Suarez subs: Rudd, Alcaraz, Dembele, Oscar

FFS, I'd rather we went back to our stupid and pointless hunt for Walcott than sign Hernandez.

Yes! Absolutely terrific option to have. I know he probably won't start having started for Brazil on Wednesday night and only completed 1 training session but maybe he might get a few minutes on the pitch.

I would be ridiculously disappointed if he has to settle for a role on the bench this season. Yes he is young but you don't become Brazil's first choice number 10 if you don't have talent and this guy has talent in bucket loads. I know he probably wont feature at all against Wigan but by the time of the Newcastle game I'd fully expect him to play a part.

He was completely exonerated of the charges. He is no more a cheat than you or I.

I don't agree. Very good interview, you often hear about how Torres isn't the typical footballer. He comes across as articulate, considerate and honest, generally a good guy, it's no wonder do many want him to succeed.

Shit iPhone that should say BBC.

I'd love to see Romeu in the side. Far more compared and assured on the ball, defensively solid, aggressive, he's an excellent player who warrants a chance.

I'm a bit worried about Oscar. Listening to the pundits on bbc yesterday and itv today they seem to think he won't start. One of the NBC pundits even going as far as to say that he was told that he won't be a starting player this season. If Oscar doesn't start then I completely give up. Exactly the kind of player we need, unbelievable talent who already starts for Brazil. He must be a starter.

The negative comments are stupid. He looked very good on the ball, moved it well, provided a threat going forward, ran at the backline. A big improvement on the performance against Brighton.