Athletic Bilbao v. Barcelona Match Review: Xavi’s Barca Are Susceptible And The Back Line Is Old

The Barca Breakdown discussed Barca's second away victory of the season against 15th place RCD Mallorca. The win puts barca in 5th place, 1 point behind Atletico Madrid and 2 points behind Real Betis. With so many Barca players out of the roster, Dembele, Gavi, Abde, and more due to Covid, the results are wonderful.    Xavi deployed a 4-3-3 with Araujo, Eric Garcia, Pique, and Mingueza fortifying the back line. In the mid field Puig, Nico and FDJ fed balls forward to Jutgla, LDJ, and Ilias. While this team is not seasoned on the pitch, Minuguza was able to supply a cross to the head of LDJ who put one away as the game winner. This goal came at the end of the first half, which means Barca had a lot of work to do to secure the 3 points. Overall, Barca was able to protect the net until a huge chance came to Mallorca. Barca's German Wall, who has not been living up to this name, finally redeemed himself with a massive save by slapping the attempt away with his forearm.    Barca finally broke the 7th spot on the table and reached 5th, just in range to secure a Champions League spot for next season. The results could not have been much better with the hand Barca was dealt. Although, the biggest worry is Dembele will not sign to extend his career at Barca and if we do not transfer him in the January window, he will be off for free. Despite this, Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Fati should be available soon to get to the 4th spot! Forca Barca!

2 Jan 20228min

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the massive news that Ferran Torres has joined FC Barcelona from Manchester City! Torres is also a Spanish national, so he has plenty of experience playing alongside Jordi Alba, Busquets, Gavi, and Pique, which should help him quickly get used to FC Barcelona. He also previously played for Valencia, so he is well accustomed to La Liga's playstyle. Laporta has signed Torres offering a huge boost to Xavi's side. Torres can play as a winger, striker, or a false nine, all roles he played under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City or under Luis Enrique for Spain. We also discuss the returns from injury of Pedri, Ansu Fati, and Memphis Depay. We also discuss Ousmane Dembele being close to signing a contract extension with FC Barcelona. Please like, comment and subscribe to our channel! Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarcaBreakdown​​​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barcabreakdown Listen to our podcast on Spotify or Apple/Itunes Podcast. Please support the Barca Breakdown and subscribe to our channel and like our videos. Please let us know in the comments what type of content you want to see more of!

29 Dec 202110min

The BarcaBreakdown the 2-2 Draw vs. Sevilla in La Liga. Facing the #2 team in La Liga, Xavi's Barca played a very impressive game as the team continues to learn Xavi's style he intends to implement in the team. Ronald Araujo scored a wonderful header and the only goal allowed by Barca was an unfortunate corner goal in the first half. Barca really took the first half by storm and showcased some brilliant offensive play with Gavi, Dembele, and Abde showing no fear against a great Sevilla side. The game turned on its head once Kounde received a red card for throwing the ball directly at Jordi Alba's head. Sevilla played a very aggressive game with multiple fouls on Barca players throughout the match. Down to 10-men, Sevilla parked the bus and Barca had very few good scoring opportunities. Again, we still are facing tremendous injuries to our offense with Fati, Pedri, Depay, and Braithwaite all still injured. The team continues to inspire, especially led by young payers like Gavi, Nico, Abde, and Araujo. Our team still has an issue of turning in weaker second half performances, though this is getting better. Please like, comment and subscribe to our channel! Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarcaBreakdown​​​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barcabreakdown

22 Dec 202113min

The Barca Breakdown discusses the victory and performance of FC Barcelona vs. Elche CF. Xavi's starting 3-4-3 lineup including Araujo as the right back, Erica Garcia starting, and Jutgla. Araujo again started in a position that is unnatural and Erica Garcia who has been slow and lacked strength to snuff out attacking opponents. Jutgla had his first start in a La Liga match for the Barca A team, looked absolutely spectacular. Rolling into the first half, there were wonderful attempts on goal with great passes facilitated by Ousmane Dembele. Magic struck from a Dembele corner, landing on Jutgla's head, who wonderfully placed it past the goalie. Then, only a few moments later Gavi received the ball with a quick turn and rushed to attack, ultimately smashing it to the left in which it bounces off and into the net. Barca up 2-0 before the 20'. As the half closes, Barca allowed a couple chances for Elche to score which were misplaced. Second half had begun and the Barca defense looked weak. Elche received an awful pass from Araujo, leaving the counter attack open. Elche scored, 2-1. Moments later a cross from the right and a header smashes past Stegen who weakly contested the opportunity, 2-2. A great representation of how the Barca season had been going. Just as we thought Barca would shut down, Dembele and Gavi connected in the box resulting with a give and go. Gavi spotted Nico in the middle of the box, wideopen. Niceo received the ball and reacted in time to save 3 points with a powerfully exhilarating goal. Barca leave the pitch with 3 points and hope under Xavi's promising offensive tactics. Unfortunately, the Barca defense still looks weak for reasons by Xavi and the players. Please like, comment and subscribe to our channel! Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarcaBreakdown​​​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barcabreakdown Listen to our podcast on Spotify or Apple/Itunes Podcast. Please support the Barca Breakdown and subscribe to our channel and like our videos. Please let us know in the comments what type of content you want to see more of!

18 Dec 20219min