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It was yet another forgettable night for FC Barcelona on Wednesday as they succumbed to a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of Royal Antwerp in their final UEFA Champions League group-stage fixture in Belgium.
With qualification for the Round of 16 and top spot in the group secured, Barça did not have a lot at stake, but there was still the matter of recovering pride and confidence after losing to Girona over the weekend.
But, Antwerp were the better team on the night, scoring a minute into the game before Ferran Torres equalised. Vincent Janssen doubled the hosts’ lead in the second half but substitute Marc Guiu netted in stoppage time on his UCL debut, seemingly salvaging a point.
It was not to be though as Barça conceded a third seconds later, with Royal Antwerp pulling off the upset of the season.
Ferran Torres stands with Xavi
Given the shock defeat and the dire performance, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez finds himself in the line of fire. But, forward Ferran Torres came to the tactician’s defence after the game, as he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo):
“We are very united, we are with the coach to the maximum.”
However, he admitted that there was a lot of work to be done for the team, saying: “We have to correct things, we know that, but these are dynamics that occur throughout the seasons and we have to turn them around and we will do it.”
The Spanish forward then went on to state that while they are disappointed, the team will not let external pressure affect them, as he said:
“We are the first to be disappointed, but we have to focus on the league. We know the external noise at Barça, that they are trying to destroy us, but we have to live with it.”
Sergi Roberto angry after loss
A day to forget for Barcelona. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona first captain Sergi Roberto got a rare start in the middle of the park last night, but was unable to inspire his team to a win.
The versatile star admitted that he and the team were…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/ferran-roberto-come-to-xavis-defence-after-royal-antwerp-3-2-barcelona-we-are-with-him/
Author : Michel Durant
Publish date : 2023-12-14 07:20:00
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