FC Barcelona have found themselves sink in the competitive quicksand of La Liga. Ronald Koeman and his side were brought to a 1-1 draw against Eibar on Tuesday night in the Camp Nou.
With Lionel Messi and most of the team’s defense held on the sideline, the hapless Catalan giants erred the year-end with a disappointing performance.
After Martin Braithwaite missed the penalty, Ousmane Dembele, back from injury returned to the pitch and restored the hopes of broken Barça, by equalizing Kike Garcia’s opener in the 67th minute.
The Blaugrana now stand 6th in the league, with 10 points shy of new leaders Atletico Madrid.
Are Barcelona’ blooming days for the title run slowly withering with Koeman?
Barcelona have just won 7 out of 15 games in La Liga under Koeman this season.
They are now muddling themselves through the competition, but Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has admitted that the title hopes for the team are slowly melting away:
“I am realistic, it will be very difficult to be champions.”
“Nothing is impossible, but you have to recognise the distance.”
— Ronald Koeman after the game against Eibar
According to the Dutchman, other loose errors, injuries and lack of key players together contributed to the setback:
“There is a transition in the team. There are also injuries.”
“We created many opportunities, missed a penalty, and gave away a goal.”
“It cannot be said that Barca play better without Messi. He is on another level. We lacked Leo, who makes a difference.”
“In general we played a good game, but individual mistakes have cost us points.”
— Ronald Koeman after the game against Eibar
Barcelona and Koeman will now play their first game of 2021 on Sunday, against Huesca in a decadent away clash.
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