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The recent international break was a chance for Xavi Hernandez to unwind, rewind and modify his dynamics to fix Barcelona’s broken confidence. It also gave the players a golden chance to freshen up their headspace and come back revitalized.
Yet, all that unfolded at Vallecas was more of the same misery. Barcelona dropped two points after a mixed performance of the night where they did have their chances in the second half but could not capitalise.
In the end, an own goal helped the Blaugranas equalise Unai Lopez’s opener and salvaged a point.
Barça Universal brings you three talking points from Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Barcelona.
The trend that needs to stop
‘Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles’ is a line most fans well-versed in the football world have encountered. If there was any doubt remaining over the credibility of the quote, Barcelona’s run to the La Liga title last season served as the perfect testament.
The defending champions have not seen many changes in personnel at the back this season and, in fact, have only added to their resources in the form of Inigo Martinez and Joao Cancelo. Yet, their defensive numbers this year have been startling.
Unlike last season where a sole goal was enough to take three points, the Catalans this season are conceding far more frequently. In recent games, moreover, a new trend has come to the fore – the knack for going down early.
Barcelona have now conceded first in their last three games, and the feeling of fighting against a disadvantage is getting habitual. After all, it leaves the men in garnet and blue staring up a mountain to climb, for they will then need two goals to take home three points.
Last night’s game was more of the same. Barcelona were uncharacteristically poor in the first half and once again went down early through a brilliant Unai Lopez strike. They came back better in the second period, but the task at hand was too big to conquer.
Xavi’s primary focus, thus, must be on the…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/three-talking-points-from-rayo-vallecano-1-1-barcelona-la-liga/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2023-11-26 13:25:32
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