That’s a game you won’t remember when the season ends, but it’s a game that could prove pivotal in the final La Liga standings.
Hansi Flick went for the Copa del Rey comeback midweek against Atletico Madrid, and as a result, rotation was in order against Athletic Club on the weekend.
The starting eleven at San Mames were not the guys you want on the field to win you a big game. Simply put, that performance was not reflective of the Barcelona we have come to expect in the first 45 minutes, so it was no surprise
to see Pedri inserted immediately after the half-time break.
Barcelona were better in the second period, but the heavy legs made it hard to take control of the game.
Eventually, Pedri did what he does best, and found Lamine Yamal for a stunning game winner.
That was the difference here. Two brilliant players combining for one brilliant play. Game over. That’s all it took.
Luckily, Athletic Club struggled to create true danger, as Nico Williams watched from the bench. There were, however, a few nice saves from Joan García that should not be discounted.
Were we entertained? Not really. Still, an ugly 1-0 triumph is worth the same three points as a thrilling goal fest. If you’re Barcelona, you take it, and hope your body gets the rest it needs for the big challenges ahead.
Speaking of which, it’s on the road again for the Blaugrana as they head to Newcastle for the Champions League round of 16.
Newcastle are a hot and cold team. On Saturday, they got knocked out of the FA Cup after losing to Manchester City 1-3 at St. James’ Park.
That same venue will be rocking when Barcelona comes to town. The Champions League is now all Newcastle have left to play for.
The question will be how much gas is left in the tank for Hansi Flick’s players.
The manager wisely rested Pedri and Raphinha in the first half against Athletic Club. Lamine Yamal continues to collect minutes, but seems to be holding up well, which is incredible when you consider he is fasting every day.
Barcelona can’t make the same mistakes that they did on the road against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
The first leg of the Champions League tie, they have to be ready for a high-octane atmosphere. At a minimum, they have to be practical tactically, and Flick will have important decisions to make on the defensive line.
Is it time for Ronald Araujo to get a start?
Joao Cancelo, for as good as he’s been in some moments, could hurt the Blaugrana defensively, in a match where they have to be solid.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Eric Garcia and Gerard Martín at full-back, with Araujo and Pau Cubarsí in the middle.
For now, it was mission accomplished for Barca against Athletic Club in a very tough game, under complicated circumstances, that was played in a challenging atmosphere.
You would take the same result against Newcastle midweek.
Truth be told, however, they will have to be much better.
Hopefully Pedri and Raphinha got the rest they needed, and the rest of the guys are ready to dig deep and show the focus and intensity that is required to succeed in Europe’s biggest tournament.
