The boss’s move. This is how we could summarize the correction inflicted by Real Madrid against Girona this Saturday at the Santiago-Bernabeu. Relegating their weekend opponents to five points, the Merengues then took a big step towards the title. On the other hand, that of their historic rival, FC Barcelona’s season is very disappointing. And even if the furniture can still be saved and Barça can still dream of a title in the Champions League, it is difficult to imagine a satisfactory outcome at the end of a season to forget.
This Sunday, Catalan bad luck was still there. Leading initially thanks to Lamine Yamal, Xavi’s flock were taken back before being led twice. In reaction, the teammates of Robert Lewandowski, still a scorer, had to work hard to get a draw at home against a very modest opponent. A disappointing meeting which illustrates quite well the start of 2024 for Barça. With 23 goals conceded in 11 matches since the start of the year, the reigning Spanish champion is the team which has conceded the most goals in 2024 in the five major championships.
Xavi and Ter Stegen continue to believe in the title
Resigning at the end of the season, Xavi is not spared. Beyond his tactical errors and his often questionable choices, the former midfielder is also criticized for his lack of lucidity in press conferences. His post-match press conference was no exception to the rule. Despite Barça being ten points behind the leader, Real Madrid, Xavi still believes in the title: “we had very clear chances to make it 2-0 and that would have changed the match. Granada made an excellent approach. Effort and faith are insufficient in the face of everything we give to defend ourselves. La Liga is more difficult to get with two points less, but we are not going to throw in the towel. What we must do is not fail ourselves. Once again, we gave goals and situations that were not dangerous. We had courage and desire, but it was not enough. It was a good opportunity to shorten Girona, but the championship is more difficult for us. We had a 2-0 lead to end the game and then we gave away goals that we can’t afford. »
A fantasy that Marc-André Ter Stegen also seems to believe in. Back in the Barcelona goals, the German goalkeeper conceded three goals and continues to believe in Barça retaining its La Liga crown: “These goals conceded in such a short time are always difficult for the morale of the team. We were about to return. We can’t concede three goals and we conceded them so easily. If we score in all the games we have left, there is still a chance. We still have to play against Madrid and Girona. We have to concentrate on our work and improve. I don’t know if we have said goodbye to La Liga. There are a lot of games left and we still have to play against Madrid and Girona. It’s difficult, because all the teams play with a lot of personality, like Granada did. What we have to do is find our rhythm and score points every week.» With ten points on this Real Madrid, it is an understatement to say that this looks like a mission impossible for FC Barcelona…
