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Barcelona returned to San Mames on Sunday night for the first time since their painful Copa del Rey elimination. Going up against Ernesto Valverde’s in-form Athletic Club, the Azulgranas always had their work cut out for them.
With Real Madrid and Girona both dropping points on the matchday, Barcelona had the chance to jump to second place with a win and close the gap with Los Blancos. Yet, it was always clear that the game at San Mames was going to be one of the most difficult away fixtures of the season.
Xavi opted for a versatile, yet solid XI on the night against Los Leones. The defence was unchanged with Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo and Jules Kounde all starting in front of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Andreas Christensen continued as the pivot for the Blaugranas in what is the new normal. He was joined by Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong in midfield.
Robert Lewandowski started as the team’s lone striker at San Mames, flanked by Pedri and Raphinha to his left and right respectively.
Barcelona got the clash at San Mames underway late on Sunday night, immediately giving away the initial momentum to the hosts. Ernesto Valverde’s men took control in the opening minutes, although their possession did not build up to any opportunities.
As early as the fifth minute, the Catalans began showing some threat on goal. Joao Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski combined well to create half a chance but were denied by the defence.
As the clock ticked past the ten-minute mark, Barcelona appeared to be easing into their element. However, their domination on the ball through the first half was sporadic and lacked the consistency it had in the previous game.
The battle in midfield intensified as the minutes passed, with both defences not allowing the other team any sight on goal. High pressure from both ends and there appeared to be no stability in terms of possession.
The 23rd minute brought Barcelona’s first important moment of the clash, albeit not in a good…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-hold-0-0-stalemate-against-athletic-bilbao-match-review/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-03-03 21:59:18
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