It has been nearly a decade since Barcelona once dominated Europe. The name was enough to scare even the biggest teams in the world. Such was the menace that Barcelona could cause. But times have changed now. From dismantling teams in Europe, Barcelona now are losing all their big games. The team recently suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the Clasico. The performance drew criticism as the team looked clueless and Real Madrid made lightwork of them The month of October has been really poor for Barcelona as they have lost out on all the big games. When it mattered, the team failed to step up and thus the consequences are there.
They have exited the Champions League this season as Bayern Munich were comfortable winners at Camp Nou. The Germans ran over the Spanish team as they Dismantled them 3-0. Once again, it is now Xavi against the world. It is the 5th time this season that he has lost a big game. Lewandowski had no chance against his former club again as he was well-defended by De ligt and Upamecano. It seems that Xavi’s tactics are working in the league but not in Europe. Now they will be playing Europa League football for the 2nd season in a row. It is a shame that they have failed again to deliver with the squad they have got.
Lewandowski has been nothing but sensational for them. But the Polish have not had much support which has made the team over-dependent on him. He has fired in 14 goals already this season. But Xavi has frustration over the results and the performances the team is putting in despite being second in La Liga. Despite this, they have been flawless in La Liga apart from that one game against Real Madrid. The club have now entered Europa League but did end their UCL journey on a positive note. The Spanish team were 4-2 winners against Plzen, with great performances by Ferran Torres and Raphinha in the attack.
Xavi talks about Pablo Torre, Europa League, and others
On Pablo Torre, Xavi was happy with his first start.
” He attacked the space well and today it wasn’t easy for the midfielders because they were being marked individually. But he is fine, he just had a muscle cramp.”
But Xavi was more worried about Kessie’s injury.
“He is screwed. I think he has hurt his hamstring. He was playing a good game in the midfield position, winning duels, and was good at the start.”
It is quite humiliating that Barcelona have been pushed to the Europa League for the 2nd season in a row.
“The assessment is negative. We had it in our hands after playing very well in Munich and in phases in Milan but we didn’t do the job. Bayern and Inter took advantage of their moments, we didn’t.”
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