On Sunday afternoon in Alaves, the Barcelona La Liga campaign ended with victory, but the repercussions of a tumultuous season persist.
The beautiful 5-0 victory threw a blanket over the flames that overwhelm the reign of the head coach Quique Setien and the presidency of Josep Maria Bartomeu. However, the briefest look at the shelter and the substitutes’ bench in Barcelona spoke of a club that urgently needs reconstruction and enhancement. La Liga clubs are currently authorized to select 12 substitutes, in Alaves, Barcelona have appointed two goalkeepers and only three players on the pitch. In a week when Real Madrid claimed the national title, it was a timely reminder of the latest political war attack to grab Barcelona.
There were, it should be said, notable absences. Gerard Pique, Junior Firpo and Ivan Rakitic were suspended, while Samuel Umtiti, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele were injured. Midfielder Arthur also had ankle pain, although he now has …
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