Barcelona bought the job accomplished the arduous means on a tense European evening, combating again from a objective down and a 2–2 scoreline to ultimately safe a 4–2 victory over Slavia Prague. On paper, it was a robust consequence. In actuality, it left many Barcelona supporters deeply conflicted. Whereas the targets arrived when wanted, acquainted defensive lapses as soon as once more raised severe issues about how far this staff can realistically go within the Champions League, Softfootball experiences.
The win retains Barcelona firmly within the chase for a top-eight end, with the Blaugrana presently sitting ninth on 13 factors, locked in a good race alongside eight different golf equipment. Chelsea, who edged Barcelona earlier within the competitors with a 3–0 win at Stamford Bridge, presently occupy eighth place, making each objective and each consequence essential. But regardless of the significance of the second, followers had been removed from satisfied by what they noticed on the pitch.
Barcelona Followers Alarmed by Defensive Frailty
For a lot of supporters, the comeback masked deeper structural issues — notably on the again.
@abiodunadeleke didn’t maintain again:
Not impressed in any respect. We will’t win the UCL with these sort means we’re defending!!!
That sentiment was echoed repeatedly, with followers struggling to grasp how a struggling Slavia Prague facet managed to show Barça so simply. @manfa questioned the recurring sample:
Why can’t we hold a clear sheet? Why are we all the time the primary to concede in massive video games like this? Different massive golf equipment performed in opposition to Slavia Prague and virtually all of them stored a clear sheet. If we proceed like this, we shall be knocked out early. We stand no probability in any respect.
Others went even additional, calling for modifications in recruitment technique. @abrahamifeayo wrote:
Barcelona must recruit good defenders and cease counting on La Masia product. They will by no means win UCL with this defenders.
After the sport, Barcelona shared through its official X deal with that midfielder Fermin Lopez was named the participant of the sport for his unimaginable efficiency within the center for Barcelona scoring two targets for Barcelona on the evening. They posted:
Reduction Over the Win, Fear Over the Efficiency
Whereas some followers acknowledged the significance of the victory, the efficiency itself didn’t encourage confidence.
@spiggbnb tried to strike a stability:
Essential victory. Pedri injured is the dangerous information. Good Olmo entry. Nice objective. Solely a win for the final UCL sport to return. VISCA Barça.
However frustration lingered over how troublesome Barcelona made the evening for themselves. @olaneat commented:
We must always have gained this guys comfortably, we wanted these targets to make prime 8, but the gamers had been enjoying as if the sport wasn’t necessary.
Even the targets didn’t escape sarcasm. @jasonfrank joked:
One other thrilling 2–4 the place Lewandowski in some way manages to attain for each side. Peak effectivity, I suppose. Glad somebody remembered to deliver the precise targets this time.
After the sport, Hansi Flick had rather a lot to say in his publish match interview with the staff’s official X deal with, the gaffer spoke in regards to the the significance of the three factors and the way they navigated the problem of the sport. They posted:
Issues About Mentality and Depth
Past ways and defending, some supporters felt Barcelona lacked the depth and id that after outlined the membership.
@emm4sure mirrored nostalgically:
We might have gained tonight however our sport may be lazy and uninspiring typically. The classic Barca again then fought for balls and held on to possession most occasions. We give away the sport so simply now and it hurts us most occasions.
The frustration peaked with @danielmoreno, who summed up the broader concern amongst followers:
With these points, I don’t assume we’re going to win the Champions. The staff must be extra stable in protection, how is a staff that’s gone 12 matches and not using a win going to attain on us, how distracted had been the gamers. Terrible protection.
Apparently, Barcelona gamers after the sport in an unique video shared through the staff’s official X deal with, had been signing autographs for Barcelona supporters who got here from everywhere in the world to cheer them on away from dwelling. Watch video beneath:
What Comes Subsequent
The victory retains Barcelona alive within the race for computerized qualification, however the margin for error is shrinking quick. Sitting ninth with 13 factors, and with Chelsea narrowly forward in eighth, Barça know that provided that they win their final remaining sport convincingly will solely be sufficient to safe a top-eight spot.
For now, the targets present reduction, however the defensive cracks proceed to gasoline doubt. Until Barcelona discover solidity on the again and urgency in massive moments, many followers concern that this Champions League marketing campaign might as soon as once more finish far sooner than hoped — no matter what number of dramatic comebacks they handle alongside the best way.
