Xavi does not solve the lack of goal

The Barça continues erre that err with the lack of goal. The team led by Xavi Hernández lived its umpteenth ‘déjà vu’ on Tuesday at the Camp Nou against Benfica in a match in which the Catalans dominated the game and generated chances, but in which they again forgiven until exhaustion. With the goalless draw against the Portuguese, there are only two goals in five Champions League games, a background that makes the presence of the Catalans in the round of 16 almost impossible.

«I think we played very well, but we missed the goal. In two games we have a goal, and a penalty. You have to be more effective. Not putting in generates anxiety for us and security for them. The boys had a great game, but we still need the final pass, “Xavi lamented after the draw against Benfica on the fifth matchday of the Champions League. The words of the Catalan coach perfectly summarize the frustration that Barcelona is experiencing throughout the course in front of goal.

The goals of Barça, those that once fell to Leo Messi, Antoine Griezmann or Luis Suárez, are now a task to be shared between Memphis Depay, Martin Braithwaite, Luuk de Jong, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembélé, players who have not been able to be at 100% or that his performance remains far from that treasured by the trident formed by the Argentine, the French and the Uruguayan. That difference is being accused by a team that has only 22 goals between all the competitions in the first 18 games that it has played, for the 41 that it had already taken last season at this point.

Barça’s figures are even poorer in the Champions League section. The team that Ronald Koeman led and that Xavi trains today has only scored two goals in five games, both against Dynamo Kiev. This average not only makes qualifying for the round of 16 very complicated, but it is also the fourth worst record in this edition of the top continental competition. Only Dynamo Kiev himself, Malmoe and Shakthar Donestk have been less effective than the Blaugrana and they are all mathematically eliminated.

Oasis Dembélé

In the middle of the blaugrana blackout, a footballer emerged from whom a lot is always expected but whose injuries are holding him back. Ousmane Dembélé returned after his injury and did so with a thunderous ovation from the Camp Nou and with a spark of speed that makes one think that he may be the player who brings a smile to Xavi when he talks about the absence of a goal. In just 24 minutes he put eight dangerous centers in the area and it was a real nightmare for Benfica. «The dynamics of the party have changed. Overflows, generates fear of the rival and chances. Make a difference. See if you can renew. For me it is a fundamental piece. If he is in the field, things happen “, said Xavi when asked by the French.

Dembélé is one of the great hopes for the Munich final against Bayern. The other is Ansu Fati. The young winger did not enter the squad against Benfica and he will not make it on the list for Villarreal either. His return could take place next week, either against Betis or against Bayern in a crucial game for Xavi’s. Winning in Germany means the presence in the second round and an economic injection of 9.6 million euros for the entity chaired by Joan Laporta. It is the day to take risks, the moment in which gunpowder, although with the risk of a possible relapse, can return to Barça.