Draw Frustration: Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona Play to a Stalemate in La Liga Clash

A draw that suits absolutely no one. This Sunday evening, Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona were unable to decide between themselves (0-0), during the 27th day of La Liga. The supporters of the Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao witnessed a particularly closed meeting where the chances were almost non-existent. In the Spanish championship standings, the Blaugrana remain third, but are now eight points behind leader Real Madrid. The Lions, for their part, consolidate their fifth place.

FC Barcelona certainly entered this meeting with very good intentions. But, in the first act, the Blaugrana were forced to make two changes due to injury. From the 26th minute of play, it was Frenkie de Jong who came off, after a big twist in his right ankle. Just before the break (45th), Pedri, already not spared from physical problems this season, was also prematurely replaced, after having visibly injured himself, muscularly. At the break, Xavi had already lost two of the most important elements of his starting XI.

Frenkie De Jong goes out injured in Bilbao

Credit: Getty Images

The Catalans showed nothing collectively

It is certainly largely because of this that the content proposed by Barça was more than worrying. The Catalans were not in the game collectively and struggled just as much individually. The only flash came just after the half-hour mark. Entering only five minutes earlier, in place of de Jong, Firmin Lopez came up against Unai Simon, who had gone outside the limits of his penalty area. His ball then arrived at the feet of Joao Cancelo, who attempted a lob from 50 meters, but Simon returned well, before being replaced, on his line, by Yeray Alvarez (31st).

Opposite, Marc-André ter Stegen was also contacted, without being really worried. Alex Berenguer’s curled shot, although deflected by a Barcelona player, was easy to capture (37th). Just like that of Unai Gomez, in the second act (60th).

Barça does not benefit from Girona defeat

Athletic Bilbao will have to be content with this point from the draw and now finds itself five points behind fourth place Atlético Madrid, qualifying for the next Champions League. For its part, FC Barcelona, ​​which is aiming for the title, remained silent, in a La Liga meeting, for the very first time since last August (0-0 against Getafe).

Xavi’s men may therefore have regrets, especially since they could have regained the place of runner-up to Real Madrid, following the defeat of Girona, on the pitch of Mallorca (1-0), earlier in the daytime.

2024-03-03 22:27:00
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