The Catalans already had the lead in the Champions League. After its success at the Parc des Princes against PSG (2-3), FC Barcelona presented itself in Cadiz with a largely revised eleven (eight of the eleven starters did not start on Wednesday), this Saturday, during the 31st La Liga day.
Xavi’s men won without shining and remain eight points behind Real Madrid, who defeated Mallorca a little earlier (0-1), one week before the Clasico.
Three days before the clash against PSG in the Champions League, the Barcelona side put the handbrake on against the Andalusians, who struggled to create dangerous chances. Javi Hernandez on an uncrossed header (22nd), Juanmi at the end of the race (45 + 1st) or even Chust on a cross from Alcaraz (57th) tried to worry Ter Stegen, very calm in his cages.
Juanmi even thought he would equalize but his goal was refused for a logical offside position (54th). The German goalkeeper was then pushed into the parade by a heavy 35m strike from Diadié Samassékou (78th).
João Félix gives victory to his family
Sharper offensively, Barça took the advantage in the score on a nice acrobatic return from João Félix at the far post (37th). Substitute against PSG this week, the Portuguese scored his seventh La Liga goal of the season and could be a prime option for Xavi in the clash against PSG at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Catalans could have taken cover just before the break on a recovery from the very convincing Fermin Lopez, who was pushed back to the line by Victor Chust (44th).
Entering the hour mark with Pedri and Koundé, Lamine Yamal was close to doubling the lead with a big shot from a tight angle after a series of dribbles but he came up against Ledesma (70th). The 16-year-old winger then centered on the head of Fermin, who failed to find the target (75th).
With this victory, FC Barcelona has a sixth consecutive success and remains undefeated for 13 matches in all competitions. PSG, seeking the last four of the Champions League for the first time since 2021, has been warned. He will have to do a lot more on Tuesday to eliminate the Catalans.
