FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.04.2009 13:27

The most lethal forward line in Europe

Anna Segura

Henry, Messi and Eto'o are becoming the most effective forwards in this season’s Champions League. With 19 goals between them, they alone have scored more goals than six of the other seven teams in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

A good part of Barça’s success in the Champions League is down to the goal scoring abilities of just three of its players: Henry, Messi and Eto'o.

Praise from Guardiola

After last night’s match, Josep Guardiola told reporters, “Sometimes I’m a little hard on them”, referring to his instructions to his forwards to take part in defensive duties and in particular to press and spoil when the opponent has the ball. However, his later words were full of praise.

It’s raining goals

With the four goals against Bayern (4-0), Barça’s attacking threesome has scored 19 goals since the first European match against Wisla. In turn these goals have increased the team’s average in Europe to 2.9 goals per match (a total of 32).

Only Bayern Munich has accumulated more goals (24) than just Messi, Eto'o and Henry together. The rest of the clubs taking part in the quarterfinals of the Champions League have not reached their total of 19.

Messi top scorer

With the two goals against Bayern Munich, Leo Messi has consolidated his place at the top of the ranking of CL goals with 8. Next come Liverpool captain Gerrard and Klose (Bayern Munich), both with 7. Henry comes close behind with 6 goals in 10 matches, and Eto'o, 5 in 8 matches.