It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t pretty, but Barcelona left Dortmund with an important win in the Champions League that takes some pressure off of them going into the new year.
With two games remaining against Atalanta and Benfica, the Blaugrana will look to lock up a spot in the top eight, and with it, an automatic pass to the round of 16.
Barcelona took a lot of punches on Wednesday night, but they didn’t buckle.
In spite of two unforced errors that could have cost them the win from their usually very reliable center backs, the team found a way to keep fighting, with the forwards stepping up and bailing out their brothers on the defensive line.
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Not everything is as it should be with Barcelona.
Frankly, they look exhausted, at times finding it difficult to keep up with their opponents. This has been a trend for over a month now. And, in my opinion, it begs the question whether this team will be able to make it the distance with so many games packed into a crowded calendar.
Seeing Ferran Torres step into the spotlight, and deliver, was an encouraging sign. Barcelona needs more from him going forward, to give a rest to the likes of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Ferran, at his best, is a danger around the box. Although he has a history of missing the easy goals, we’ve also seen that he has a poacher’s instinct to be in the right place at the right time. If he gets hot, he could rack up a pile of goals in no time.
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I liked seeing him come on for Robert Lewandowski. Although the Polish superstar has turned back time this season, and is the top goal scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League, there are some instances in certain games where a player like Ferran could be the better option tactically.
For example, against Dortmund, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal all looked hobbled. Throw in a 36-year-old center forward, and you aren’t going to have the presence up front to cause much danger when pressing. That’s creates even bigger problems when playing in such a high defensive line.
The introduction of Ferran and Fermín López changed the dynamic because the energy picked up. And it’s exactly what Barcelona needed to see out the match.
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This was a brave performance by Barcelona. From what we’ve seen lately, you feared that the team would capitulate, and leave Germany with points dropped.
Instead, they keep marching forward in Europe, surprising everyone, sitting in second place behind only undefeated Liverpool.
Now, Hansi Flick can focus on La Liga. He needs to get his best players rested and back to full health by the time they return from the winter break. Before that, they have to get all six points against Leganes and a surging Atlético Madrid.
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It’s encouraging to see that Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will be back soon to give a well deserved break to Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, and Jules Kounde.
One of the biggest questions will be around whether Frenkie de Jong and Gavi can get back to their best. So far, neither looks close.
On the forward line, could we see a new La Masia product break through to offer backup to Barcelona’s star trio?
In order to continue the magical run in Europe, while staying on top in Spain as well, they will need depth beyond the reliable starting eleven. If not, it will be difficult to see them pulling out the type of win they got against Dortmund.
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For now, it must be said, bravo Barcelona.
Seeing the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG, all struggling, while Barcelona shines bright, is a reminder that this team is on the right track under Hansi Flick. In spite of the setbacks of late.
When the going gets tough, having the support of your brotherhood matters.
And that’s the spirit that could carry Barcelona to even bigger heights in the months ahead.
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