On a poignant night in Barcelona following the tragic events that took place during the week, those lining out in the iconic blue and red against Real Betis did so with Barcelona on the back of their shirts as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives, and to the grieving city as a whole.
Much has been made about Real Madrid's dismantling of the Catalans in the Super Copa last week, but Barca put that behind them with a solid first half performance despite missing Luis Suarez up front, as they lead 2-0 at the break.
But it could have been very different.
Were it not for the heroics of Javier Mascherano, it would have been 1-1 at half time as the former Liverpool man prevented a certain goal with an utterly heroic tackle which, incredibly, we've seen from the man on a number of occasions.
In the very same move, Gerard Deulofeu set up Sergi Roberto to make it 2-0.
That is pure defender-porn from Mascherano, a literally perfect tackle, and one that resulted in a goal up the other end. Thankfully, the Argentinian got the love he deserved on social media.
Mascherano pulls off a repeat of that incredible Arsenal tackle, Barcelona go up the other end and score.
— Rik Sharma (@riksharma_) August 20, 2017
Mascherano's monstrous tackle on Leon prevents a Betis leveller and then Roberto smashes in Deulofeu cutback for a goal "made in La Masia"
— Richard Martin (@Rich9908) August 20, 2017
I also give Mascherano a lot of shit, so credit to him too. That tackle was on the 'Moses Parts the Red Sea' scale for miracles.
— Darryl (@LordMoloch) August 20, 2017
Mascherano with a typical last-ditch challenge! We've seen this so many times before, unreal!
— FCB News (@FCBNewsRoom) August 20, 2017
He did similar on Arjen Robben for his national team before, and against Arsenal in the Champions League, so this is nothing new for Mascherano.
His ability to read the game has seen him enjoy a long and successful career at Barca as a central defender, something few would have expected when he left Liverpool.
There's nothing quite like a last-ditch goal-saving tackle. Top marks, Javier!
