After two weeks with out a La Liga fixture, Barca travelled to the Reale Arena filled with confidence after successful each the Spanish Super Cup and their Copa del Rey recreation in opposition to Racing.
Hansi Flick’s aspect have been within the groove for some whereas now, with many gamers on the high of their recreation as they headed to San Sebastian for a date with Real Sociedad.
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The hosts got here into the match unbeaten in 5 video games after a hunch which threatened to drag them into the relegation dogfight, while the Blaugranes have been on an incredible successful run within the Spanish top-flight – 9 successive wins, every seeing two or extra objectives from the Catalans.
La Real had misplaced 19 of the final 22 head-to-heads, although considered one of their two wins got here within the final match to be performed between the perimeters at this venue.
Let’s check out three talking points from Sunday night time’s recreation…
Brilliant attacking play however missing the crowning glory
We shouldn’t actually be stunned at Barca’s penchant for attacking, given the outcomes and normal of performances over the previous couple of months, however issues have been taken up a notch in opposition to La Real.
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In the opening half particularly, the Catalans have been sensational of their attacking play.
Not solely was it purposeful and dynamic, however it was additionally an train in the right way to assault from each a part of the pitch.
Were it not for VAR, Barca would possible have been dwelling and dry by half-time, and that they weren’t wasn’t for the shortage of making an attempt.
Solid on the again – however nonetheless undone
There’s little to reproach the defence for on an evening after they did nearly the whole lot proper.
Eric Garcia, as has grow to be customary, was quietly environment friendly alongside a equally adept Pau Cubarsi, each making interventions of the best high quality at numerous levels of the sport.
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Both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde obtained ahead at each alternative, and all 4 of the again line have been strong for probably the most half by way of their tackling and software.
And but, for all of their excellence, it was extremely unlucky that two comparatively easy balls – and momentary lapses of focus – would finish with objectives for the guests in opposition to the run of play.
VAR, luck and wayward ending…
Sometimes it’s important to admit that it’s simply not your night time.
No matter that the whole lot you’ve skilled for through the week has labored in match play, the footballing Gods have simply conspired in opposition to you.
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Hitting the woodwork a number of occasions, VAR being invoked to rule out more than one goal after which some wayward finishes, significantly from Dani Olmo…
Could Barca actually have performed any extra to win the sport?