Barca Breakdown (FC Barcelona)

FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao (4-0): Dembele’s Superstar Performance CRUSHES Valverde’s Bilbao

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's victory against former manager, Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Bilbao. Xavi has really grown and chosen to try new lineups/strategies to adjust their play. This included playing 4 midfielders allowing Barca to control the midfield and push players forward. The star players were Dembele, Balde, and Frenkie De Jong. Additionally, Roberto played way more offensively adding to interplay with Demeble. This allowed Dembele to run in open spaces and connect with other players scoring a goal and contributing with 3 assists. Barca are on a upswing. Can Barca continue this trend in bigger profile games, including Wednesday's game against Bayern at the Camp Nou?

 

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FC Barcelona v Villarreal (3-0) Match Review: Fati, Torres, & Lewandowski COMBINE To Score 3!!!

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's victory against the Yellow Submarines, Villareal. The team that Barca lost to in their final game of last season at the Camp Nou. However, the tables were turned today's game as Barca were able to score 3 goals in the first half. Lewandowski scored a brace and face scored the third. The performance was overwhelmingly positive with Barca maintaining much of the possession and creating many opportunities. It's hard to tell what the reason behind Barca's success was as Xavi started a rather different line-up as of recently. We saw Frenkie De Jong start as the pivot in place of Busquets as well as Fati starting on the left wing and Torres on the right wing. Was it the midfield that provided the catalyst for the victory or was it the wingers? Could it also have been that Villareal did not perform very well and Barca took advantage? Whatever the case, Barce seems to be able to capitalize against many La Liga teams, but generally, in higher profile games, against strong teams Barca cannot find the same edge. Barca will face Athletic Bilbao and the return of Ernie Valverde in Sunday's game. Then they have another test against Bayern Munich midweek in the Champions League. 

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Real Madrid v FC Barcelona (3-1) Match Review: El Clasico - Barca Drop To 2nd In October From HELL

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's defeat in El Clasico. As Real Madrid and Barca were tied on points heading into the game, a victory was crucial for either team. Although, it was Madrid who wanted it more. They dominated Barca in the transition and midfield control. However, it wasn't only the intensity that brought Madrid their victory, but Barca's poor defensive structure which left them susceptible to the counter attack. Yes, the ref wasn't great, but Barca did not play with intensity or a dynamic movement to overtake the Madrid defence. Too many times, Barca held onto the ball allowing for Madrid's defense to set itself up. Then there is Busquets. Again, he was too slow and made bad fouls resulting in a Madrid goal. Xavi was also slow to make substitutes after the first half in which Barca were losing 2-0. Xavi's stubbornness has seen Barca face difficult repercussions and it will only get harder towards the end of the month. Villareal is next on Thursday followed by Athletic Bilbao and Bayern Munich. Subscribe to our channel for coverage of everything FC Barcelona - Thank you for your support!

FC Barcelona v Inter Milan (3-3) Match Review: Dembele & Lewy Score 3 while Busquets and Pique Fail

The Barca Breakdown reviewed FC Barcelona's draw in the second leg against Inter Milan at the Camp Nou. Every fan felt this game was do or die and the Camp Nou fans' energy was exuberant! The Blaugrana energy was also pouring out on the pitch as players pushed their physical limits. Dembele and Lewandowki were able to score 3 goals. However it wasn't enough. Barca were their own worst enemy as blunders from Pique, Busquets, and Eric Garcia resulted in 3 goals for the Italian side. The result is another knife in the side of Barca fans. Barca find themselves 3rd in the Champions League group still 3 points behind Inter. Inter must lose both remaining games and Barca must win both... but Barca still will face Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou. Xavi and his men will be faced with another challenge this weekend in the highly anticipated El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. A win against Real would bolster Barca's hopes of taking the La Liga title.

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FC Barcelona 1-0 Celta Vigo Match Review: FC Barcelona Remain TOP of La Liga, though Tough Week Ahead!

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the 1-0 victory of FC Barcelona against Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou.

Inter Milan v. FC Barcelona (1-0) Match Review: Xavi FAILS To Adapt In DIRE Champions League Test

The Barca Breakdown discuss the loss in Italy against Inter Milan. In their 3rd Champions League game of the season, Barca find themselves 3rd in the group only able to score against Plzen. 

 

There were many problems in the game, but most issues can be isolated to Xavi's decisions and lack of adaptation. While Alonso can be a great asset, his start in this game is on question as he's only played against Bayern Munich and has had no other minutes since acquisition. Balde being the front man as left back was completely snuffed. Another issue falls in Raphinha playing on the left wing when it's clear his potential and skill are best found on the right wing.

 

Despite this Barca had a few moments in the first half but were not equipped to break the low block defense of Inter. Where Xavi failed is his ability to adapt to the game and make player changes at appropriate times. The first substitute came in the 65'. Changes should have occurred after the first half at the earliest.

 

Lastly, it appears Barca are struggling to be one cohesive team. Barca relies on individual skill and brilliance, especially when faced against better teams. They also are better suited against teams that fight for dominance as it opens the pitch up as opposed to teams with low blocks. 

 

Barca will face Celta Vigo this weekend and Inter again at the Camp Nou next week. Can Xavi adapt in a week?

Mallorca v. FC Barcelona (0-1) Match Review: A Moment of Lewandowski Brilliance Seals Another Win

The Barca Breakdown discussed the victory against Mallorca after returning from the international break. With all the injuries that racked up, Xavi had to change the line up. Alba started as the left back with Balde on the right back alongside Pique and Christensen. Appearing in the midfield was Kessie, Busquets, and Gavi with Dembele, Lewandowksi, and Fati on the attack. While this is not Xavi's first choice, considering the return from international break, injuries, and the need to rest players before the Champions League game against Inter Milan, it was a good decision. 

 

The game was rather underwhelming. Barca was able to create one brilliant chance from Lewandowski in the 20'. This goal was all Barca needed to win the game and take 1st on the table, well at least until Real play Osasuna tomorrow. Other than the goal, Barca were flat on their chances and did not provide many offensive opportunities. The largest and most worrying aspect of the game was Barca's effort in the defense. Many times, Barca players seemed lethargic, uninterested, and distracted. These moments allowed Mallorca opportunities to score, however, they were not clinical and could not convert any chances. 

 

It seems this game may be the game to brush off the cobwebs after the international break. Hopefully so, as Barca face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday in which Barca play in Italy. 

Barca News: Araujo, Kounde, De Jong, Depay, & Bellerin Injured For CRITICAL October Schedule!

The Barca Breakdown discussed the unfortunate news of players injured during the international break. It seems Araujo, Kounde, De Jong, and Bellerin have all picked up injuries. This could not have come at a worse time as Barca are about to have the one of the most important months of the year in October. Barca face Inter Milan two times in the champions league along with the second leg of Bayern. While Barca must beat Inter Milan so that there is no question to move out of the group stages, this puts Xavi in quite a predicament. Barca are in second place (2 points behind Madrid), just picked up 5 injuries, and have 6 la Liga games and 3 in CL in October, Xavi must decide what is more important, La Liga or the Champions League.

Now it is possible that Barca make if through the CL even if they do not beat Inter, as Inter still can lose to Plzen or Barca could beat Bayern. However do to the uncertainty and the fact Barca most likely will not win the Champions League, it is more important to focus on La Liga. Additionally, after October, the World Cup will begin. International breaks will tire the players out and it's possible Barca will struggle after returning to Liga. It is important to get as many points as possible before the break.

To make matters worse, Barca will play a Clasico match in the middle of the hectic schedule. This could very well he a critical moment in Barca's season which may set the stage for a La Liga trophy.

FC Barcelona v Elche (3-0) Match Review: Lewandowski TWO MORE GOALS! Pedri MOTM, Depay Scores!

The Barca Breakdown discussed Matchday 6 against Elche. Elche has surely struggled this season as they've plummeted to 20th on the table. Barca's form this season has proved to be strong, scoring many goals, many of which coming from Lewandowski. 

 

Unfortunately for Elche, they received a red card for a poor foul on Lewandowski in the 15th minute leaving them with 10 men. Barca certainly capitalized on this opportunity, in the 34' when Balde crossed the ball into the box and Lewy slid in and scored. It was all downhill for Elche from that point. Depay was also able to box out his defender in the box and received a pass from Balde. Depay quickly turned and smashed the ball into the back of the net. The first half ended and Barca completely dominated possession and control of the game. 

 

The second half started with Kessie subbed off for Gavi. Soon after, Gavi pushed forward and crossed the ball back to Lewandowski. A one touch shot placed the ball in the left side of the net. Barca lead 3-0. 

 

Big shout out to Frenkie De Jong, Balde, and Lewandowski for a great performance and complete domination of the game. Elche only managed 1 shot on goal with a 22% possession. While this game cannot provide any insight on Barca's progress it keeps them very competitive in La Liga. International break has now begun for Barca. The big question is can they keep their form when they return? When we return in October to play Mallorca, we have a big test in the Champions League against Inter Milan. This is the focus of Barca.

Bayern Munich v FC Barcelona (2-0) Match Review: Lewandowski and Pedri Fall Short & Alonso Starts!

The Barca Breakdown discussed the tough Champions League loss in Munich. With so much history in the recent years between Bayern and Barca, this match was highly anticipated. This is especially true as Barca has seen some wonderful improvement this year under Xavi and after the summer transfer window. Unfortunately, the game did not pan out in Barca's favor and they lost 2-0 to Bayern. Barca's biggest enemy was themselves. This game could have been won with some clinical finishing from Lewandowski and Pedri. Additionally, the front line overall seems to lack that final oomph.

Let's take a step back and look at Xavi's lineup. It was pretty obvious Xavi was going to start Dembele, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Pedri, Gavi, and Busquets. However, surprisingly, Xavi started Alonso as left back ahead of Balde or even Alba. Christensen also received a start over Garcia, presumably due to the injury Garcia has. Despite the one curveball, Barca came out with a ferocity unseen in a big Champions League game in the last few years. Barca defense was able to keep Bayern at bay for most of the first half by intercepting the ball and stripping players in the midfield. This accomplishment was led by Busquets and Gavi who performed wonderfully in the first 90. Unfortunately, Raphinha seemed a bit off the mark and Lewandowski/Pedri both missed great opportunities.

The second half began with subs on the Bayern side, yet none from Xavi. This had an immediate effect, as Bayern were able to break Barca's defense. Barca failed to effectively mark attackers on a corner and fell asleep on the defense resulting in 2 goals. Xavi finally decided to make some subs, however a little too late. Barca found themselves trying to fight back and could not finish anything. Xavi received some criticism for making late subs and for Ferran Torres being the first player off the bench. Barca are tied in Group C with Inter Milan under Bayern Munich. While this game did not give the results fans had hoped for, it certainly leaves hope in Barca's CL endeavors for this year. Focus will be turned back to La Liga for the weekend game against Elche.