Ansu Fati's goal calms the nerves as Barça wait for Xavi

The Champions League is a cursed competition for Barcelona. The most desired. The most wanted. But the hardest to get. The most painful. They won their first in 1992. And although in the 21st century they have four wins - 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015, now they have gone six years without and suffered humiliations. I’ve always thought Barca did not know how to make the most of the best player in history, Lionel Messi, to impose themselves on the Champions League. Other squads with less talent - Madrid, for example - have been more competitive. Now, after 17 seasons with Messi, it’s even harder.

Xavi’s imminent arrival gives hope. On Tuesday, Barca played for their life. They needed to win and they got it thanks to Ansu Fati’s solitary goal. It creates some small hope. Barca weren’t brilliant in Kiev, but had more ambition, more intensity. And a little more accuracy in attack. They dominated but suffered on the counter. They aren’t good enough to win at this level. Nobody’s asking them to win it either, just to compete. Get to the quarter-finals. It’s not done yet but a little closer after Ansu’s goal. While we wait for Xavi, this win can calm the nerves of some Rules.