Barcelona left reflecting on their five capital sins

Barcelona left reflecting on their five capital sins

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The Catalans drew 1-1 against Espanyol at home on New Years Eve and lost their advantage

Barcelona failed to beat Espanyol at home to end 2022 and are left reflecting on five sins.

LACK OF KILLER TOUCH

Xavi said that Barca had 30 brilliant minutes but lost their edge after that and did not take their chances to put the game to bed.

NO GOAL POWER

If Lewandowski does not score, few other players seem capable of doing so. In 30 minutes the team created over 20 chances and the only goal was netted by a centre-back. Espanyol and four and the game finished in a draw. Neither Raphinha, nor Ansu, nor Ferran, no Dembele were able to score.

LOSING THEIR HEAD

Mateu Lahoz’s refereeing did not help. The ref let the game go out of control, but Xavi and his players must do better. The coach said they cannot use refereeing as an excuse. The team have to learn how to focus on their own game to win matches and not lose their emotional balance - that will be key going forward.

LOSING INTENSITY

It can be hard to keep up a rhythm over 90 minutes but for Barca, beyond 40-50 seems tough at the moment. Against Espanyol they managed 30, and the bubble burst after that. Espanyol grew and managed to equalise. 

LOSING CONCENTRATION

The derby was a test of fire. The team were back from Qatar, and the game required top concentration. However, distracted by Lahoz’s show, the team did not maintain it. It was a chance to stay La Liga leaders with a two-point advantage but instead they took another psychological blow in a January full of games. La Liga is back, the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup start, and the Europa League will begin in February.

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