King Leo

Barcelona is, if not the best soccer team on the planet (Bayern Munich and PSG might have an argument), the most entertaining, by some measure. With a front line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar, they're the stuff of nightmares for opposing defenders and goalkeepers. On occasion, they're so good that they seem to have to invent new ways to entertain themselves and their fans.

Yesterday was just such an occasion. After a tough first half at the Camp Nou in Barcelona against Celta Vigo, Barca began to pull away in the second frame. They already led, 3-1, when they were awarded an 82nd minute penalty kick. Messi, one goal away from his 300th La Liga tally, lined up to take the penalty.

And then this happened:



The cheekiness of the play was remarkable, and made moreso by the reaction of Ray Hudson, the former Newcastle player (and DC United coach) turned impassioned broadcaster. Hudson mixes Shakespeare, Johann Cruyff, and Barcelona's majesty in a gloriously delirious word soup. We need more Ray Hudson in the world.

Here's why Cruyff got the shoutout:



Global reaction to Barca's play was mixed, as you might imagine. Smiling admiration on the one side and concern for a disrespected opponent on the other. I can see both arguments. I just choose to see it Ray Hudson's way.

Joy, formidable.