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As Gerardo Martino's Newell's Old Boys were on their way to success in the Torneo Final and the Copa Libertadores semifinals earlier this year, it was, apart from forward Ignacio Scocco, their style which rightly garnered most plaudits.

Based around possession and pressing, they played some of South America's best football in 2013 so far, but what was notable was their verticality. Passes were quick and incisive; this wasn't merely keeping possession for the sake of it. They were looking to create openings and inflict their will on opponents with each forward pass.

Now, it appears he is looking to do likewise with Los Cules, whose passing carousel became stifled on a more regular basis by Europe's big hitters last season—and was downright blown to pieces by Bayern Munich.

An added sense of directness saw Barcelona kill off limited opposition early here, just as they did in their last game against Santos. No longer is it death by a thousand cuts, but more sharp, powerful strikes at every possible opportunity.

Such rapid advances should encourage the best out of the quick widemen, Neymar and Pedro, both of whom netted from quick, direct attacks in the opening 20 minutes, as well as Cesc Fabregas and his ability to ghost into the final third.

The opening goal, teed up by Lionel Messi, assisted by Fabregas and scored by Neymar, after quickly transitioning from their own defensive third, perfectly encapsulated what Martino is looking to achieve.