Nada like the return of the official competition to know where one is. The Barcelona He left for the World Cup break on a cloud. For almost two months he savored the joys of being a solo leader. Something that was worth nothing more than to stick out his chest without the possibility of a reply.
However, the derby brought the azulgranas down to earth and it showed that there are problems that are still there even though the months go by. The refrain of lack of efficiency has haunted this team since last season. In principle, with the signing of Robert Lewandowski that is doomed to become a bad memory, but it is a drink that still has to go through. When the Polish does not appear, everything costs a little more.
It remains to be seen how the World Cup players digest the effort in Qatar in the coming weeks. The match against Espanyol It can serve as a wake-up call for what is to come. The Bara ended the year with an unexpected scare, sharing the leadership with a Real Madrid who has plenty of work. The first week of the year looks threatening, with a dangerous cup match and a visit to the Metropolitan which can cause problems.
In addition, it is not yet clear if Bara will be able to count on Robert Lewandowski. Against Espanyol, the Pole was not enough despite having clear chances. He, like the entire team, was lacking in success. The difference is that those of Simeone they have a lot more punch than him Espanyol.
Two expulsions in two games
The derby also demonstrated the ease with which some Barça players can be removed from matches. It is no coincidence that the Catalans have finished with ten in their last two games. In addition to the generosity of Matthew to get cards, it turns out that the culs get mad easily when the game doesn’t go the way they want.
As you have already said Xavi, the team continues to suffer from a lack of skills to close games that it has on track. so far in Liga that had not taken its toll on him this season, but it could be a problem for what is to come.
With no signings in sight, the club hopes that some players who have not been at the expected level in the first half of the season will appear in the second. Dembl and especially Raphinha have to start being decisive. Xavi is confident that the derby was an isolated episode, but the displeasure of New Year’s Eve is no longer taken away from anyone.
