Saturday’s match against Athletic Club was always going to be special, whatever the result.
Even though there is still plenty of building work to be completed at Camp Nou before Barcelona can boast the biggest
stadium in Europe, the plain fact that the Catalans were finally back home after two years was worthy of a celebration.
Before a ball was kicked, feelings were heightened, due in no small part to the festival atmosphere that had been created in and around the ground.
That was either going to have a positive or negative effect on proceedings, so let’s take a look at three things from the match that contributed towards the outcome…
Barca thrill with speed and intensity
It’s often been levelled at the players that they’ll sometimes stroll through games, and whether that’s right or wrong is subjective.
What was in no doubt whatsoever during Saturday’s match is the dynamism and desire every player had in hunting down possession of the ball and remaining on the front foot throughout.
Perhaps it wasn’t pretty at times, but you couldn’t fault anyone for a lack of effort.
If the players can produce similar output in other games, then they’ll certainly win more matches than they lose and, importantly, culers will have to acknowledge that when Barça are beaten, it’s simply because the opponents were better.
Full-back doubts remain as transfer talk continues
Although Athletic weren’t able to penetrate the home defence in a lively match, it was noticeable how easy it was for the likes of Nico Williams and Unai Gomez to beat either Jules Kounde or Alejandro Balde, down either flank.
The visitors didn’t even need to get out of second gear, as both full-backs consistently pushed too far forward and didn’t show enough desire to get back into their defensive positions.
The full-back positions are very much in the spotlight right now, with reports claiming Barca have concerns over Balde and Kounde’s form this season and are considering their options in the transfer market.
On another day and with better finishing from Los Leones, the scoreline could’ve been closer, and it’s likely that the transfer talk over possible signings will only continue throughout the season.
Fermin & Eric highlight Barca’s midfield strength
Shorn of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, it could have been a very long afternoon in midfield for the Catalans, so credit goes to Fermin Lopez – again – and Eric Garcia in his secondary role.
Rarely was either player overwhelmed in the middle of the park, and that allowed the attackers to go about their work with aplomb.
Fermin walked off with yet another MVP award for another impressive showing, while Eric was given a standing ovation by the home fans when he was replaced late on with the game very much won.
Their performances are exactly what Barcelona are going to need, especially when first-choice players aren’t available, if they are going to finish the season top of the pile once again.
