Physical invoices and failed opportunities

1. TWO BIG ONES

win at San Mames and climb to the top. That’s what Blaugrana football fans have in mind with Xavi in ​​charge of tactics, strategy and other aspects that can guide/coach their eleven against Athletic Club. Very important night to overcome Girona and send a ‘container’ of roots towards Madrid.

The rivalry against the red and white team started with a smooth Barça but no clean arrival in the area. First Simon. Raphinha not facing Imanol -right wing- and Koundé It has no offensive effect. Only I canceled tried to threaten the local defense and, in particular, the area defended by the right-back yesterday Beñat like.

The Portuguese were almost defeated First Simon (in that action Fermin he couldn’t save the exit of the goal) with a long, high and impressive right hand. The goal is removed from the goalkeeper’s glove and the center back Yes.

Regarding the pace of play, for the Blaugrana it lasted 26 minutes; those who lingered on the ankle of Frenkie de Jong in the grass

That unexpected injury psychologically hit a Barça that was under control Inaki Williams, Berenguer and his center forward, Guruceta. It almost always starts short and, suddenly, long balls with no chance for Lewandowski.

When Pedri is also wounded, at the end of this first act, the Athletic It did not sprout but it grew as the team Xavi I tried to get it Fermin and Laminate in the grass Black cloud.

2. ATHLETIC SUFFOCATION ON THE BLAUGRANA FIELD

Injuries to great passers (and playmakers) have left a good scenario for the lions. Valverde He saw this and sent his 4-3-3 into the Barça field. The key to possible tactical success lies in the ability to keep the pressure high. They achieved this because they did not agree Gundogan -He moved to the position of Frankie– Fix the Blaugrana game. Barça were left ‘shorthanded’ and their only offensive hope was to link up with Lamine Yamal. The player who performed his good/powerful dribbling in training.

AND Xavi He saw it but he still needs time to make the changes that could break the 0-0 of a match that has become less, for the Blaugrana side, and from less to more for the lions.

The level of Raphinha -He went to the left wing when he entered Laminate– it did not rise, Lewandowski They didn’t give him chances (only one but Wallslaunching at all, avoided the Polish right hand) and Fermin They stopped him outside the area. A few corners but no serious problems for First Simon.

3. PHYSICAL INVOICES AND FAILED OPPORTUNITIES

He Athletic played/pressed more and better than azulgrana but Cubans (replaced at the end of Inigo Martinez), Araujo, I canceled, Koundé and Ter Stegen ( always very careful not to be too deep in the goal area ) they released all the balls that entered the Blaugrana area. The centers of the edges, the individual Berenguer and Williamsthe last quarter match Sancet, Villaliber and Djaló. Barça wanted to go up but the tie, the few remaining minutes and the constant local push gave no respite. Flashes of Laminate and a little more because the changes didn’t work.

And the final draw reigned in a night that started with enthusiasm and ended with some Blaugrana football fans on their tongues. The train of the title is farther though it is always bigger to believe.