Sevilla 2-2 FC Barcelona Match Review: Xavi‘s Barca Improving! Araujo Goal and Dembele‘s MOTM Play!

The Barca Breakdown traveled to Spain to watch the final two games of the season against Getafe and Villareal. Unfortunately, Barca were not able to score in either game and the performances were uninspiring. The environment of the Camp Nou was something you will not be able to feel at home through the TV. It was a beautiful experience and a joy just to be in the presence of the fans and vibe. There was not much to fight for as Barca had solidified their place in second, but it was sad to see so many players being uninspired on the pitch in the final two games. The team needs a lot of work and this seemed like a great opportunity to kick it into high gear and try some beautiful football. In the Getafe game there was at most one high light and the line-up was undesirable. No dembele and a backline of Mingueza and Lenglet. Then in the Villareal game, they just played poorly and let Villareal walk around them scoring two great goals. Hopefully this does not continue on into the next season.   The top highlights were Adam meeting Pedri at the F1 formula race and the tour of the Camp Nou. The tour really gave you a deep dive into the history of the team and how they have come to be so great over the last 120 years. With the first Champions League trophy from Ronald Koeman's free kick goal to the astounding careers of Pep, Ronaldinho, and Messi. Even a great history of the presidents/coaches of the club. It was a beautiful reminder of what FC Barcelona is about and hopefully we can return to some semblance of greatness in the coming years.

26 Touko 202214min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the victory at the 3-1 Camp Nou against Celta Vigo. With Busquets out on a yellow card, Nico and Pedri injured, Xavi decided to not start our only midfielder Puig. Instead he opted for a 4 man attacking front with Ferran, Aubameyang, Dembele, and Depay, leaving Frenkie and Gavi to cover the midfield. The line-up made Adam and Yusef nervous as not having Busquets was bad, but not having 3 midfielders sounded even worse. It is interesting to note even though this was a difficult situation, Xavi still didn't decide to start Puig. This must say something regarding Xavi's trust in the midfielder. Is it time for Puig to make his leave and gain experience elsewhere?    Regardless, Barca started the first half a bit shaky as the team had to adjust with a missing midfielder. For the first 20 minutes Celta made some good attempts at goal, however they couldn't seem to finish. Once Barca adjusted, Dembele put on his jet engine boots and was flying around the pitch. He was able to drive down the right flank and dribble the ball into the right side of the box. He made a beautifully placed pass to the middle of the box where Depay was waiting. Depay shot immediately and scored the opening goal at 30'. Before the end of the first half Jordi Alba makes an over the top pass down to Depay on the left wing. Depay kicks the ball to the middle and the Celta defender is not able to control it. Aubameyang sneaks in and kicks the ball into the back of the net. Half time ends with Barca up 2-0.    Barca continued to press in the second half. At the 48' Auba makes a pass to Dembele. Dembele runs down the right flank with Auba running through the middle. Dembele gets the ball back to Auba who one touches the ball to take a 3-0 lead. Not 2 minutes later, Ter Stegen makes a terrible pass to Araujo. It was intercepted and Celta Vigo scored. Celta dropped to 10 min due to a bad foul at the top of the box. Not soon after Araujo Clashes heads with Gavi and is on the floor for several minutes. Reports are he was concussed and is recovering now and will be good. The last notable comment is that Frenkie De Jong, Eric Garcia, and Jordi Alba will all miss the next game against Getafe due to yellow card accumulation.   Barca Look to take on Getafe in Madrid this Sunday where Yusef and Adam will be live at the game! Forca Barca

11 Touko 202212min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the victory in Seville against Real Betis. This was an important game as a victory here was going to solidify Barca's placement in the Champions League.    As the game was highly anticipated due to its importance, it left Barca fans biting their fingertips. The first half seemed totally disconnected and disorganized with Betis running around the Barca midfield. Despite a shaky half, Barca were able to hold betis off from scoring,    The second half was not much different in the first 15-20 minutes. However, Xavi replaced the whole attacking front and placed in Fati, Traore, Aubameyang. Not soon after FATIMANIA struck! Fati receives the ball at the top of the box. Quickly three defenders step in front of him and he fires the ball to the left side and the goalie had no chance. The ball goes in and Barca scores the opening goal.    Unfortunately, Real Betis' Bartra scored a header when he received the ball from a free kick. The game was even and the hopes of winning three points declined. There was not much potential; however in the 90 +4' Dani Alves crossed the ball to Jordi Alba. Alba immediately strikes the ball right over top of the goalie and the game is over! Barca Secured 3 points and their placement in the Champions League. Additionally, this gives more hope to the possibility of retaining 2nd place which would earn them 6 Million Euros for their admission in the Supercopa.    There is still much work to do as many problems have been seen over the last few weeks. We at least get to celebrate what we have now to hold onto.

7 Touko 202210min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the upcoming match Real Betis in Seville. There is a lot to be won if Barca can defeat Betis. Not only are Betis 3 points behind Atletico Madrid for the 5th spot in the table, but Sevilla are only 2 points behind Barca fighting for the second place spot. With Real Madrid already securing the title, Barca need this win in hopes to maintain their Supercopa chances. However, in the last meeting Barca were defeated at the Camp Nou 0-1 with Juanmi scoring. It is important to remember this game was Xavi's fourth game after becoming the Manager and the team was struggling. That game Barca were playing Abde, Jutgla, and Depay upfront with Busquets, Nico, and Gavi. This was a less than ideal line-up and things really changed when Barca acquired Aubameyang, Traore, and Ferran Torres. There was also the drama of Ousmane Dembele who was not getting play time due to the contract negotiations. Now the Barca team is different and a new story can be written. The recent performances however have really seen Barca struggle against sub tier teams. Alongside the injuries to Pique and Pedri, Frenkie De Jong has also been struggling in the midfield and his frustration is clear. To be fair, there is a lot happening and his performances may be due to the other surrounding issues limiting his abilities. Lastly, with the return of Ansu Fati, it could be what Barca need if they are struggling in the second half. It is unlikely that Xavi will start the youngster as he is just getting back from his injuries and it would be unwise to rerisk injury.

6 Touko 202225min

The Barca Breakdown discussed 3 points that were secured in match day 34 against Mallorca at the Camp Nou. With Dembele feeling under the weather, Xavi chose to start Depay on the left and moved Ferran Torres to the right wing. Of course, Pedri is out so Gavi started alongside Frenkie and Busi. In the back line, Pique started with Ronald Araujo, Jordi Alba, and Dani Alves.    The first half was pretty lackluster and disorganized. A few breaks from Mallorca could have easily been scored, but their team was not clinical. It didn't seem too promising until Jordi Alba placed a ball over the top for Memphis Depay. He was able to control the ball and score to take Barca 1-0. The half ended with much improvement to be desired.    In the second half Barca really turned up the tempo, constantly attacking Mallorca. In the 54' Ferran Torres' shot gets blocked and Busquets picks up the ball. He shoots off his left foot into the right corner of the net and Barca are up 2-0. Fati and Dembele are subbed on for Aubameyang and Ferran Torres. Immediately, Barca shut down. Mallorca continues to attack on counters, and eventually earn a free kick. The ball goes over the top of the Barca line and straight at an open Raillo. The ball deflects off his knee and makes it past Stegen... 2-1. The match ends with Barca hanging on by a thread to their 3 points.    Luckily, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla dropped points this week. Barca look to take on Real Betis on Saturday.

1 Touko 20228min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the atrocious loss at the Camp Nou against Rayo Vallecano. For the first time in history, Rayo has defeated FC Barcelona 2 times in a season. Xavi deployed the usual starters excluding Pedri due to injury. To think the team that defeated Real Madrid at the Bernabeu 0-4, has just lost 3 consecutive games at home. After losing to Frankfurt, Cadiz, and now Rayo, Barcelona find themselves at a strong potential to lose their top four standing.    Heading into the first half Barca were terrible. Passing was slow, off target, and poor in transition. Right at the 6' Rayo's Garcia receives the ball on where there are no players but a distant Dest. He takes a quick shot at Stegen;s near post and scores. Stegen did an awful job and that was Rayo's first and only shot in 90+ minutes. Barca could not recover for 113 minutes and score an equalizer.    The only good players on the pitch were Gavi and Dembele. Who were close to scoring but could not finish. It seems this is the story of Barca in their recent matches. Their play is slow and predictable with possession for possession's sake. It resembled Koeman right before he got sacked. Barca only attempted offensive play with crosses that lacked any potential.    There is much to say that the players looked fatigued and uninspired. Clearly underperforming; however, Xavi has a lot to do tactically to bring the team back into form to maintain a possible Champions League spot.

24 Huhti 202213min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the defeat at the Camp Nou which ended Xavi's 3 month unbeaten streak. After a tough loss at home against Frankfurt, Barca played Cadiz. Normally, a team fighting relegation in 18th place would not cause such an upset; however it seems things are catching up to Barca. Xavi has not been able to rotate players enough causing tired legs and injuries after returning from the international break. Pique and Pedri were out due to injury and Araujo was suspended due to yellow card accumulation. With these players out, we had Lenglet play alongside Eric Garcia and Gavi in the Midfield. As Aubameyang has yet to return to his goal scoring form (having also played many minutes since coming to Barca), Depay had his first start since returning from his calf injury. This line-up didn't seem out of question, although the results spoke for themselves. Barca were not able to create any effective opportunities on goal and the defense was weak. It only took one counter for Cadiz to score.    It seems that Xavi's tactics have become predictable as the ball moves to the wings constantly and attempts to cross fall into the void. Moving the ball through the middle and any buildup is nonexistent. Many teams including Cadiz formed a strong defense against us and forced the counter. Barca stood no chance with slow, uneventful possession and they paid for it with a loss.    FC Barcelona continue their fight to maintain top 4 in La Liga. With a lul of play, predictable tactics, and tired/injured players we look at the possibility of dropping to 5 or lower if we cannot defeat Real Socidad on Thursday and Real Betis in May.

19 Huhti 202214min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the breakdown of Xavi's squads in the second leg against Frankfurt at the Camp Nou. Another big match in Europe where Barca were knocked out of the Europa League in a terrible performance. First and foremost, we think Xavi deployed a less than ideal starting XI with Minguza as RB and Gavi in for Frenkie De Jong. Even though we consider Aubameyang and Ferran Torres as regular starters, we believe after such poor performances from the duo that Xavi needed to try a different line-up. Despite what we thought, Barca came out in the first few minutes with an absurd foul from Eric Garcia. 3 minutes into the game and Frankfurt had gotten a penalty. Kostic converted to take the game to a 0-1 lead. Frankfurt continued to play aggressively, shutting down Barca's midfield and nurturing the wings. The mayhem did not cease as a screaming shot from Borre slammed into the back of the net taking them 0-2. The half ends and Barca leave the pitch defeated.    The second half begins and Xavi makes 1 change by taking out Pedri, due to injury, and putting in FDJ. Things continue to look grim as Barca can't create almost any shots on goal and the chances that are created fall flat. In the 67' Kostic was able to shoot from the left side and scored in the right corner. Frankfurt's 0-3 lead practically sealed the game. However, deep into the second half (90+1') Segio Busquets put away a goal. Barca did not let up there, with Memphis Depay, who came in for Torres, was able to convert a penalty which was drawn by Luuk De Jong. Barca are able to get 2 goals, but FT is called and Barca are officially out of all major European competitions.    Barca fans all around the world are left in shock as Barca cannot seem to compete in European competitions. Where does that leave us? Well, FC Barcelona are second in La Liga and still trail behind Real MAdrid by 12 points. Barca face off against Cadiz this coming Monday at the Camp Nou. Can Xavi compete for the La Liga title?

15 Huhti 202215min