Barça's Ilaix Moriba delivered Clasico cameo to boost case for more minutes
The midfielder came on to great effect against Madrid but was denied by the woodwork
Barcelona have discovered treasure in the form of Ilaix Moriba. The academy graduate, just 18 years old, took another step forward in the Clasico at the Alfredo di Stefano and showed he can play a key role in the remaining eight league games this season, as well as in the Copa del Rey final next Saturday.
Ilaix understands Barça's style of play and can interpret it well, but he also has a plus that converts him into a competitive player. The midfielder plays with his heart and always shows great character. That was once again displayed in his brief cameo against Real Madrid this weekend.
For example, even Casemiro was astonished when he stepped up to question him for one of his trademark fouls. The Brazilian saw the Barça youngster wasn't joking around and wouldn't back down from anything despite his age and top level inexperience.
The concept of stage fright that is traditionally associated with Madrid's rivals did not even enter Moriba's head. He threw himself into the game with all his strength, looking for the goal that would save a point in the Clasico. He didn't care who he had in front of him.
Ilaix pushed forward decisively and in the last quarter of an hour he had three shots. The first was a header coming in from behind and, already in injury time, he fired over before hitting the bar with the last move of the match. A good strike from the penalty spot that had already beaten Courtois, but the woodwork foiled him.
It was a shot with all his soul and Moriba was left lying on the ground after fifteen minutes of running and fighting until exhaustion. His consolation can come in a week if he can lift his first title as an FC Barcelona first team player in the Copa del Rey final against Atheltic in Seville.
NEW FC BARCELONA PODCAST IN ENGLISH
Topics with the letter
