Barca Blaugranes · Jan 23, 2018
The Tackle That Changed Javier Mascherano’s Career
The year is 2011. The score is Barcelona 3, Arsenal 1, but it’s 3-2 on aggregate. Improbably, 10-man Arsenal are one goal away from progressing on away goals at the Camp Nou.
Adriano loses the ball from the left-back position. Jack Wilshere plays the ball towards Nicklas Bendtner, whose control takes him slightly wide. Out of nowhere, Mascherano comes flying in with a sliding challenge.
The ball harmlessly drifts into Victor Valdes’s arms. Barça are spared, and on their way to the UEFA Champions League title.
Mascherano has since said that “That tackle marked a before and after.”