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

FC Barcelona took 3 huge points against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, leaving Barca top of the league after Real Madrid’s dropped points against Villareal. Xavi’s Barca went ahead early in the 22nd minute as Ousmane Dembele scored a huge goal thanks to a beautiful run from Pedri and nice touch by Gavi. The game became nervy after, however, as Barca lost control and our old foe/friend Antoinne Griezmann lead Atleti in the search for a goal. However, the wonderful backline of Balde, Christensen, Araujo, and Kounde helped Marc Andre Ter Stegen keep another clean sheet in La Liga!   Xavi experimented with a four man midfield of Busquets and Frenkie De Jong behind Pedri and Gavi, with only Ousmane Dembele and Fati up front with Robert Lewandowski serving his 3 match ban. Unfortunately, substitute Ferran Torres received a red card, adding to the recent red cards of Jordi Alba and Robert Lewandowski.

9 Jan 202314min

The BarcaBreakdown is back with a match review of FC Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Espanyol, featuring goals by Marcus Alonso and Joselu. Xavi’s Barca returned after the World Cup (won by Lionel Messi!!) and immediately entered a derby versus Espanyol marred by the awful officiating from Mateu Lahoz. We did see Xavi rest some players who recently came back from international duty, such as Kounde and Dembele from France, as well as Araujo not featuring as he slowly gets reintegrated with the team after injury recovery. The first half saw FC Barcelona apply the most pressure, culminating with the Alonso goal assisted by Christensen. However, we did see ineffective play from Ansu Fati and Raphinha. Xavi decided to use Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi in the midfield, a continuation of the last few games where we have seen Busquets slowly lose his place as an every game starter. The second half was a Lahoz fiest, filled with a double-yellow red card for Jordi Alba, with both cards occurring within 5 minutes of each other. Espanyol also received the 2 reds, though one was rescinded after a VAR review. Barcelona are now level on points with Real Madrid for the La Liga lead, though Barca currently have the lead on goal difference.   https://www.youtube.com/@BarcaBuzzTV

31 Dec 202215min

The BarcaBreakdown discuss Ronald Araujo's call up for the World Cup with Uruguay after recovering from thigh surgery. FC Barcelona must not be too happy with Araujo playing, as we experienced Samuel Umtiti hurting his knee permanently playing for France (and winning) in 2018. However, Araujo already had surgery and is recovering quicker than expected, which hopefully helps reduce any chance of injury. Here are the other Barca players at the World Cup 2022: Spain: Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati, Pedri, Gavi, Busquets, Ferran Torres, and Jordi Alba France: Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde Denmark: Eric Christensen Poland: Robert Lewandowski Brazil: Raphinha Netherlands: Frenkie De Jong and Memphis Depay Germany: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

16 Nov 202212min

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's Victory against Osasuna. A game that seemed impossible to win after going down one goal and a man, Barca were able to muster the strength to take 3 points. This season, it has been atypical to see Barca perform well in the second half. But when it mattered most, Barca were able to score 2 goals and are now clear 5 points ahead of Madrid. The timing is perfect as all of soccer is heading into the international break for the World Cup. Barca were able to make their final mark and really solidify their place at the top of the La liga table.    Subscribe to our channel for coverage of everything FC Barcelona - Thank you for your support!

9 Nov 202212min

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's Victory against Valencia. A last minute goal by Lewandowski, assisted by Raphinha, gives Barcelona the win! However, the overall performance of the team was lackluster. Players look tired and off target with shots and passing. Physical and mental fatigue may be dwindling Barca's performances aside from all the individual injuries that riddle the team. The one saving grace Barca's La Liga record holds strong in run with Real Madrid and Barca are able to weather the storm of the October schedule. Two Liga games are left before the international break. Can Barca finish strong?     Subscribe to our channel for coverage of everything FC Barcelona - Thank you for your support!

29 Okt 202213min

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's defeat against Bayern Munish. Even before the game, Barca Europa League fate was sealed as Inter beat Plzen 4-0. With Barca knocked out of the Champions League two years in a row in the group stages, who is to blame? We tackle this question by addressing Xavi record this season, the players, and the Barca board. There were high expectations to the season and having them end again in harsh fashion has left the fan base split. Can Barca still make something of the season? Subscribe to our channel for coverage of everything FC Barcelona - Thank you for your support!

28 Okt 202218min

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's victory against former manager, Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Bilbao. Xavi has really grown and chosen to try new lineups/strategies to adjust their play. This included playing 4 midfielders allowing Barca to control the midfield and push players forward. The star players were Dembele, Balde, and Frenkie De Jong. Additionally, Roberto played way more offensively adding to interplay with Demeble. This allowed Dembele to run in open spaces and connect with other players scoring a goal and contributing with 3 assists. Barca are on a upswing. Can Barca continue this trend in bigger profile games, including Wednesday's game against Bayern at the Camp Nou?   Subscribe to our channel for coverage of everything FC Barcelona - Thank you for your support!

23 Okt 202214min

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's victory against the Yellow Submarines, Villareal. The team that Barca lost to in their final game of last season at the Camp Nou. However, the tables were turned today's game as Barca were able to score 3 goals in the first half. Lewandowski scored a brace and face scored the third. The performance was overwhelmingly positive with Barca maintaining much of the possession and creating many opportunities. It's hard to tell what the reason behind Barca's success was as Xavi started a rather different line-up as of recently. We saw Frenkie De Jong start as the pivot in place of Busquets as well as Fati starting on the left wing and Torres on the right wing. Was it the midfield that provided the catalyst for the victory or was it the wingers? Could it also have been that Villareal did not perform very well and Barca took advantage? Whatever the case, Barce seems to be able to capitalize against many La Liga teams, but generally, in higher profile games, against strong teams Barca cannot find the same edge. Barca will face Athletic Bilbao and the return of Ernie Valverde in Sunday's game. Then they have another test against Bayern Munich midweek in the Champions League.  Subscribe to our channel for coverage of everything FC Barcelona - Thank you for your support!

21 Okt 202214min