Two things about Barcelona that made them fantastic in this game.
1) They win the ball back way too fast. Even in the first 15 minutes, before we lacked composure, we weren't able to make the most of our passing triangles. They had five men pressing in their front lines, not giving us any time or space. Pique played so well in his reading of the game. So many crucial tackles.
2) They exploit any amount of space. While defending, if you've noticed how we play, the back four form the line and keep moving back towards the goal, rather than standing their ground. It was frustrating to watch us give them so much space this way, but if anyone took them on, in a flash they'd pass their way through. Their first touch is incredible and so is their vision.
With them winning the ball back so fast, they controlled the game, and our urgency and tempo at the beginning of the second half was lost. It was so difficult to get the ball back.
My thoughts on some of the comments on this thread.
Dzeko - granted his finishing wasn't up to the mark in this game, but I'd put that down to composure. Where NO ONE has given him credit so far, is the way he receives the ball. He won almost all the aerial battles and we could chip the ball confidently to him, knowing he'd take it on his chest. Very few players who can do that for us, and he did that consistently yesterday. Receiving aerial balls to create a chance.
Fernando - Pellegrini knows him better than we do. He scouted him, watched him and then bought him. If he started this game, it was for a reason. I don't think we can give flak to our players because we simply don't know them or football enough. Today I saw him make good interceptions and apply pressure by pressing. He was never intended to be a threat while attacking.
That said, I think Lampard would have been a fantastic influence on our squad. He lead the midfield against Bayern. Would have helped us keep composure.. Would like to see him in the line up.
I think Pellegrini has to work on our pressing traps, getting the ball back, and set pieces for the away fixture.