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l Barcelona no longer has a net to fall on in this Champions League. The azulgrana team is prisoner of the bad results it reaped in the first two days of the tournament -beat defeats- and now it is seen with the water on its neck. The third day of the competition has practically mutated into a knockout. Those of Koeman they need to win both games against him Dynamo of Kiev to return to have real options to be in the round of 16 of the tournament. That starts with winning this afternoon at the Camp Nou.
In any other season, one might think that it is an acceptable challenge for Barcelona, but this year’s Barça has little to do with what we know.
The Catalans arrive at this point in the tournament without having won a single match and without having scored a single goal so far. A lack of punch that in Europe yes it really pays.
Ronald Koeman clings to the fact that in previous games he was depleted up front. He had too many serious casualties. Many goal-scoring specialists were in the infirmary.
That excuse is no longer valid. With the return of Ansu Fati and Kun Agüero, the Dutchman has no alibi. The team is obliged to inaugurate its goal locker this afternoon to stay alive in the Champions League.
The good news is that the team left a good feeling in the game against Valencia. At least on the offensive side. Meal from another sack is defense. This Barcelona is still too vulnerable. Rivals need very little to score goals.
Speculating is not an option
This game comes to the Catalans in the middle of a week of maximum demand. Last Sunday they faced Valencia and the next they have the Classic. The problem for Koeman is that he cannot allow himself to speculate or skimp on resources thinking about Real Madrid. The need in Champions is pressing. Today’s appointment is a true all or nothing.
What it will not do Tintin It will be to force players who have just come out of injury. It is possible that Ansu Fati will repeat ownership, but also that he will not play the full game. Kun is also expected to have more minutes.
In defense, the Barça coach will be a little tighter. Downward due to sanction of Eric Garcia we must add the injury of Araujo. Thus, the question is who will accompany Pique: Mingueza or Lenglet.
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