BARCELONA
CHAMPIONS 2012/13

The 2012/13 La Liga crown belonged to Barcelona for a 22nd time, losing just 2 matches all season!
 

As ever Lionel Messi inspired the Catalan giants and scored an incredible 46, yes 46 goals in 32 La Liga matches! He had great  play makers alongside him, the likes of Xavi and Iniesta again proving vital in the attacking third.

Defensively Barcelona were as solid as a side who play such fluid attacking football could be, with the midfield often anchored by Sergio Busquets, shielding the central defensive partnership of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol. Attacking full backs Dani Alves and Jordi Alba on occasion left the defence exposed, but Valdes was on hand to save them if called upon.
 

The goal scoring burden was not Messi's alone, he was aided by Pedro, Thiago, Alexis Sanchez and also David Villa when he was fit, with ex Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas getting on the score sheet. Completing the pack is another ex gunner, Alex Song, who struggled to hold down a regular spot in the side.

 

The Soccerstarz figures are all exactly the same as those previously released in the 2012/13 Collection, with no new or exclusive figures added. As a result the pack had limited appeal to most collectors, despite the inclusion of Messi and Song on Black bases.

 

It would have been nice to see the odd figure in an away kit, especially given the away kit Barca used that season. The pack did come with collector cards but not a Certificate of Authenticity, despite the packs originally being marketed and advertised to include the Certificate. With an RRP of £44.99, this really was just somethig for the completist.