An unflinching and gutsy performance by Barca - FC Barcelona versus Girona Match Analysis - Sep 23, 2018

 An unflinching and gutsy performance by Barca

FC Barcelona versus Girona – Laliga Match Analysis – Sep 23, 2018

Barcelona dropped their first points against Girona at the Camp Nou. Yeah – much against expectations FC Barcelona were held 2-2 by Girona. That means alarm bells ringing, criticism of players, a groaning Camp Nou, fans screaming for Valverde’s head and what not.

But that was not what happened. Camp Nou was continuously on its feet applauding and cheering. Fans had a satisfied look about the result and the performance. The team put in a feisty show and things looked bright in the end.

Against Girona it was time for a new look team, as Valverde gave a start to new additions - Arturo Vidal, Arthur and Lenglet instead of Rakitic, Coutinho and Umtiti. The three, looked comfortable and it was business as usual as Barcelona went up 1-0. Messi slid one in, assisted by Vidal. Things were going on fine as Barcelona had the ball and attacked regularly forcing Girona to defend deep. Suarez despite missing a couple of good chances, continued to look threatening.

But out of the blue in the 35^th minute, Lenglet was shown a straight red card for what was considered a deliberate flaying hand aimed at Pons. The referee took the decision after consulting VAR, though it looked nothing more than a yellow card offense.

Valverde continued with the same 10 men. Busquets shifted to center back position which proved to be costly. Girona through the ever dangerous Stuani managed to beat both Pique and Busquets to equalize before first half.

In the 2^nd half Umtiti came in for the ineffective Dembele. Though Barca continued to see more of the ball, a sudden run by Portu had Pique all at sea. The attack was finished off very well by Stuani as Girona went up 2-1. Things looked downhill for the holders.

It was crunch time and Valverde responded by bringing in Rakitic and Coutinho for Vidal and Arthur. Barcelona despite being reduced to 10 men started to attack with more intent. Girona was happy to defend despite the additional player advantage.

Suarez was the needle that was poking a hassled Girona everywhere winning free kicks and throw-ins. Messi and Coutinho linked as usual while Rakitic was robust as ever. Messi’s free kicks missed the mark narrowly with one hitting the woodwork. A resilient Pique put in a much improved and solid performance at the back keeping Barcelona’s hopes up.

Girona became very physical and a number of players received cards for rough tackles as Barca pressed hard for a goal. A few of them got away with multiple offenses.

Seeing the depleted team giving more than 100%, the Camp Nou came alive applauding and encouraging their players. All the pressure ended in a goal. Messi gave a lovely cross and Suarez’s shot on goal was saved. As the ball was sent up by the goalkeeper’s save, a lurking Pique rose the highest to head in the equalizer. He made amends for his earlier mistakes in defense, with a precious goal.

Analysis:

Barcelona were much better with 10 men. They were energetic and steadfast. They reacted well to the situation and managed to save a point.

When Plan A goes awry, Plan B should come into action immediately. As soon as Lenglet was sent off, Valverde should have brought in Umtiti for either Dembele or Semedo. 

Semedo had been below average throughout this season. In fact Semedo should have been substituted instead of Vidal. Probably Valverde wants him to gain his form. But in such trying situations, it’s always better to go with the better players. Grooming and development of young players can come in when everything is going fine.

All the three new starters – Vidal, Arthur and Lenglet looked good and confident. Till he was sent off, Lenglet gave a good account of himself, settling in well with Pique and Alba. He is a bright prospect at the back for Barca, if he can stop being naughty and rash.

I would love to see the veteran Vidal play more as he is developing a good understanding with Messi and Suarez. He could be a fantastic back up for Semedo and Sergi. Valverde could have continued with him when reduced to 10 men.

The talented Arthur definitely needs more time to actually gel with the likes of Busquets and Rakitic and the forwards. But he does look in tune with the team.

Coutinho is looking ominous and hopefully will be in the scoresheet soon. But he needs to release the ball early rather than hold on to it and give it away, especially when situations are not in your favour.

Suarez is misfiring which is frustrating, but the guy just never rests. But he put in the star performance along with Pique and Messi to ensure a hard-fought draw. In the end Girona’s star man Stuani was left disappointed and frustrated while Luis Suarez despite not scoring had a triumphant look which said it all.

Messi and Pique all shaved and chic, had a field day at the back and front. While an impeccable Messi led from the front, Pique pushed from behind. At times, Messi was dropping deep while Umtiti and Pique were upfront, attacking. Reduced to 10 men the defense was bound to have problems. But they coped with it. Pique and Umtiti need to improve on their scoring ability from set pieces as it could prove to be crucial.

If referees are going to give direct red cards for such incidents then teams like Atletico Madrid, Espanyol, Valencia, Sevilla, Real Madrid, Celta, Getafe should have at least 2 sending offs in every game. When it comes to these teams it is always justified by implying that it’s their style of play – physical and tough. But when it comes to the likes of Barcelona, it’s a red card offense. 

VAR or no VAR - we can be assured of one thing - Barcelona would be at the receiving end of some ridiculous decisions as always in La Liga.

Yeah – Girona had ended the game with a historic result. But Barcelona ran riot with their 10 valiant men and were the better team, except for the two goals they let in. Barca were unlucky to not have won this game even while playing with 10 men for almost 55 minutes. The laid-back Girona were lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw.

It is always a joy to watch our favorite team cruise to victories with dominant performances. But it’s even more memorable to see the team battle it out and come out on top, in adversity. In trying conditions, a determined Barcelona stuck together and came from behind to salvage a draw. Towards the end every one of us forgot that they were playing with 10 men.

It may be just a draw – but it brought out a smile and a sense of satisfaction. By far it was the best performance of Team Barcelona this season.

Forca Barca !!