Liga: FC Barcelona returns empty-handed from its trip to Bilbao

It was a superb poster that we were treated to this evening on the San Mamés side. An Athletic-Barça with a lot at stake, in an arena where the Catalans always struggle. But above all, the reunion between Ernesto Valverde and his former club, while the Basque team had a superb season, fifth, a few points behind the Champions League, and qualified for the Copa del Rey final. It was also necessary to point out that Barça had not yet lost a single away match in the league since the start of this 2023/2024 season. An exciting match, for which the Basques were still deprived of a major player like Nico Williams, who was suspended. Valverde was also running a bit after this very demanding match against Atlético last Thursday. For his part, Xavi continued the Christensen bet in the middle, still starting the young Cubarsi in defense and banking on Raphinha and Lewandowsi as offensive references.

The match started at a good pace, and quite quickly, the Catalans created danger, with several interesting situations in the area, such as a header from Christensen above (12th) or a return from Koundé (15th). Xavi’s troops gradually took control, depriving their opponent of the lead, but struggled to really create any real chances. Moreover, Barça must have seen how Frenkie de Jong, injured, gave way to Fermin Lopez shortly before the half-hour mark. Unai Simon in front of Fermin, then Yeray on his line after a lob from Cancelo, saved all the same the local team on the first real opportunity of the game (32nd). Behind, the Leones started to rebel a little, and Ter Stegen caught an attempt from Berenguer (38th). And as if De Jong’s injury wasn’t enough, Pedri also had to leave his place shortly before the break, even going so far as to cry on the bench.

A rather lively meeting

Very bad news, as a decisive meeting against Naples looms on the horizon, and the content offered by Xavi’s troops was still quite average overall for the first 45 minutes. On the other hand, it must be said that it was not particularly more glorious, and if there was intensity and commitment, the content was quite poor among the Catalans as among the Basques. At the start of the second act, the locals gave the impression of wanting to move up a gear, but it was quite complicated technically, like Iñaki Williams who was quite uninspired this evening. Same case for Robert Lewandowski on the Blaugrana side, not very visible and clumsy when he had balls to exploit in front. Even Lamine Yamal, although always clean with the ball, didn’t seem to get anywhere this evening.

Let’s not be afraid of words, the meeting turned into a purge, and this second period was almost torture, with no real clarity. There was only this right side of Athletic with a fairly incisive Berenguer who gave a little life to this dull and tasteless side. The entry into play of João Félix a quarter of an hour from the end gave a glimpse of some hope for the Barcelonans, but it was still a lot of sterile possession. It should also be noted that both teams seemed physically tough, which is understandable for the Basques, who played a Cup half against Atlético 3 days ago, but which is a little more difficult to justify. for Barca. Note that Xavi decided not to bring in Vitor Roque, which risks getting Barcelona talking. The match ended 0-0 despite a good opportunity for Dani Garcia in added time, and FC Barcelona missed a great opportunity to take second place and come back to within six points of Real Madrid…