BarcelonaBarça’s draw at zero against Benfica after a remarkable and excellent performance. Xavi Hernández’s men continue to have serious goal problems. Even with the good minutes of Dembélé there was no way to pierce the goal of Vlachodimos. Then the hot notes of the match.
The most valuable. It will be played in Munich against the formidable Bayern. It will only be worth beating Allianz against Nagelsmann’s shredder to not depend on Benfica’s result at home against Dinamo, already eliminated. The challenge will be great even if the Bavarians have already done everything in the league, but if Barça play like against the Portuguese, they will not miss opportunities to reach the goal. And most importantly, he will surely not lose his dignity. Well managed by Xavi, Barça was Barça in the 90th minute. And that is very valuable. Almost as many as the millions that would go into the box if you avoid falling into the Europa League.
Bentornat, Iron! With Dembélé touched and Abde and Ilias off the list, Xavi did not give up opening the field. It lacked specialists, yes, but not all. Before playing it with a convalescent winger like Dest or Coutinho’s spent card, the coach rescued Demir from ostracism. Koeman denied all confidence in Cadiz and made him disappear. Cross and line for the Austrian until the relief on the bench. With an air reminiscent of Messi, he was a millimeter away from paying tribute to him with a goal that did not go in for very little. If he is as bold as against Benfica, the coach will always consider him.
Star chassis. If Barça were like the stock market, the game would serve to reinforce the actions of Gavi and Nico: Pedri will have work to discuss their place. Araujo also grows in the market thanks to a new display of defensive solidity and indomitable character: he celebrated with the public even the band services. Also rising is Ter Stegen, author of an anthological stop to continue portraying those who criticize him. Instead, they lower Memphis, a striker with a star chassis who is unable to pull off two old warriors like Otamendi and Vertonghen; and Lenglet falls again, a powerhouse turned into a flame from 2-8.
Boats and barrels. In a vital match in the Champions League, the Camp Nou could only register half an entry. That Barça is late with the reform of the stadium is also demonstrated in these cold and rainy nights that pull the partner back at the last minute. In relation to the day of Espanyol, which was good weather, 25,000 people decided to stay well dry at home. They are not few. That is why (also) it is necessary to speed up the construction of a roof that does not drip support for the equipment depending on the weather. That said, a warm ovation to the irreducibles who put on their raincoat to go to the field. And especially to those who found refuge under the markers.
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