Soccer News Soccer Match Reports, Football News
Barcelona played one of their best games in a long time today as they beat Getafe 4-0 at home to go into second place in La Liga.
While they took some time to grow into the game, the floodgates opened as soon as Raphinha opened the scoring. And if anything, the Madrid outfit were lucky that the Brazilian did not end up scoring two more after that.
Eventually, a goal-a-piece from Raphinha, Joao Felix, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermin Lopez helped cap off three points in style.
“I’m very happy. It was a very complete match, in attack and defence. We knew how to attack the spaces that they left,” Xavi spoke following the win, as quoted by MARCA.
“I’m very happy with how we evaded their high press and managed to create lots of chances. We made the difference.”
On his players: Raphinha, Felix, Cubarsi, de Jong, and others
Xavi spoke about his players one-by-one after this, name-checking Raphinha, Joao Felix, Pau Cubarsi, but first he gave an injury update on Ferran Torres.
“Ferran is coming back soon and he will continue to be important.”
Lamine Yamal was rested today in favour of Raphinha, who came back with a goal and an assist. Xavi explained his decision, not citing game-time as the reason, though.
“The key today was to attack the spaces in behind the defence. That is why Raphinha played over Lamine today.”
“Raphinha’s timing on the runs was very good. Joao…sometimes not. But still, he generated a lot for us.”
“We were searching for Joao and Raphinha in behind the spaces. They have more ability to make runs in behind rather than having a fourth midfielder up front,” he added.
Man of the match today. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“The team was intense and fast, very good. Joao and Raphinha played in behind the defence, also Vitor Roque when he came on. It was crucial to attack that space.”
Xavi also mentioned Cubarsi, who was outstanding today, dropping an absolute defensive clinic on Getafe’s attack while showing his…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/xavi-talks-de-jong-raphinha-felix-cubarsi-following-barcelona-4-0-getafe-still-time-to-save-the-season/
Author : Udhav Arora
Publish date : 2024-02-24 18:26:22
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
