Where Is Javier Mascherano?

Monday's much-anticipated El Clasico turned out to be a Barcelona goal fest. In other derbies, the embarrassment would have led to calls for the resignation or sacking of the manager in question. Jose Mourinho's status as a legend is secure so, naturally, this was not an option.

Still, amid the pre-match buzz a formerly high profile name went missing: Javier Mascherano. Since arriving from Liverpool the stalwart Argentine midfielder has been absent from the Barcelona lineup in most competitions. He is still alive, as his Nike spot suggests, but he has already been written off as surplus requirements at the Nou Camp.

Why pay 22 million quid for a bench warmer? Is he merely a bargaining chip for next summer's transfer window? Like Ibrahimovic, Mascherano could be another one season wonder whose legacy could easily be swallowed up in the next six months of la Liga action. Meanwhile, the South American hard man will likely ride the Barcelona pine towards a few league honors.

If Barcelona come for Cesc Fabregas again, Mascherano is a tempting cash plus player option. While Alex Song has been slightly more convincing this season he is by no means a midfielder of Claude Makele's class. Arsenal need trophies and Song could easily be written off as collateral damage to win a title. Moreover, time is not on Arsene Wenger's side as age and Arsenal's patience are working against him.

Surprisingly, Mascherano, whose transfer from Liverpool was notoriously hush hush, has stayed suspiciously silent despite is noticeable absence from the Blaugrana starting XI. A cynical observer could even suggest that his outcast status is mutually understood and consented.

Where is Javier Mascherano? For now, he is at Barcelona. But it is unlikely that he will retain the same address in August of 2011.

Arsenal Outgunned By Barca

Well folks, mark this day. For Arsenal fans it will be remembered as another Champions League campaign that yielded unconvincing evidence of the young gunners' prowess. For Barcelona supporters, the match brought them one step closer to a repeat Champions League final appearance.

Despite the 4-1 score line, the Gunners cannot say the Blaugrana are better man-for-man. Rather it was one man, a little one at that, who undid the Arsenal defense. The Gunners entered the game as wounded warriors. William Gallas, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas led a parade of injuries ahead of their date at the Nou Camp.

In the run-up, Arsene Wenger said all the right things. His coy optimism was similar, yet noticeably subdued, compared to cautiously confident Pep Guardiola. Neither manager truly disappointed as both legs showed the world how football(soccer) is meant to be played.

Lionel Messi left an indelible impression on the match as he delivered four decisive strikes to settle the game long before the final whistle. The 22-year old Golden Boot and Player of the Year contender hammered a terrific shot past a helpless Manuel Almunia on 21 minutes. He continued on the contribute a hat trick on top of his wonder goal.

Undoubtedly, pundits will hail the result as further evidence the Argentine is the best in Europe. With Rooney on the mend, it will be difficult to argue otherwise. However, an astute observer will have to admit Arsenal were not at their best and contributed greatly the Barcelona fans' chants of "Messi, Messi, Messi" with each goal.

Caught too far up the pitch, mismatched, and, ultimately, lacking innovation against Barcelona, the result is more a testament to lost focus than Spanish superiority. After Nicklas Bendtner's industrious first minute goal, Barca chipped away at their confidence while expanding the score.

Tonight, one name will be mentioned in connection with Arsenal's demise but this writer believes there were eleven at fault and they were all in white.