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Athletic Club 0-0 FC Barcelona: Missed Opportunity and Injury Woes for Barça
Athletic Club held FC Barcelona to a frustrating 0-0 draw at San Mamés in La Liga. This result came despite a golden opportunity to gain crucial points in the title race, as both Real Madrid and Girona had dropped points earlier in the weekend.
Double Injury Blow for Barcelona
Injuries overshadowed the game to two of Barcelona’s most important midfielders, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. De Jong, who had played every minute for Barça in 2024 so far, was stretchered off after an awkward landing. Pedri also suffered a leg injury and was forced to leave the match later in the first half.
Barcelona manager Xavi confirmed that both players are likely to miss “games, in the plural,” raising concerns about their availability for upcoming matches. These injuries undoubtedly impacted Barcelona’s morale and disrupted their game plan.
A Tight Encounter Despite Lack of Goals
Despite the lack of goals, the match was a tense and tactical battle between the two sides. The biggest chance of the game fell to Barcelona’s João Cancelo, who unleashed a powerful long-range shot that beat Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón but was cleared off the line by Yeray Álvarez at the last moment.
Defensive Resilience on Both Sides
Both defences held firm throughout the match, with neither side creating many clear-cut opportunities. Athletic, high on confidence after reaching the Copa del Rey final, had made several changes to their lineup but still managed to frustrate Barcelona.
Xavi Praises Athletic’s Intensity
Xavi acknowledged Athletic’s intensity, calling them “the most intense team in the league.” Barcelona struggled to deal with their opponent’s pressing and counter-attacks, with Marc-André ter Stegen largely untested in goal.
Looking Ahead: More Challenges for Barcelona
This draw leaves Barcelona in the same position in the La Liga table as before the weekend. However, they face further challenges in the coming days. Ronald Araujo will be suspended for their next match against Mallorca due to yellow card accumulation, adding to Xavi’s selection headache.
Barça will need to find solutions to their injury concerns and navigate a tough fixture list if they are to maintain their title challenge.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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