3️⃣ TALKING POINTS FROM A FIERY DERBY BARCELONÍ

 

TALKING POINTS FROM ESPANYOL 2-2 FC BARCELONA

-Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: en.as.com

 

Barca travelled to the RCDE Stadium to take on their cross-city rivals Espanyol in a fierce Derbi Barceloní. Barca scored just a minute and a few seconds in, but failed to truly establish dominance after. Espanyol equalized through a good Sergi Darder strike that deflected off Pedri’s foot, and then took the lead through former Real Madrid player Raul De Tomas. Tensions rose as Barca pushed for an equalizer, and both teams were shown red cards, 2 for Espanyol and 1 for Barca. The Blaugrana required Luuk De Jong to rescue a point for them at the death, ending a hotly contested Barcelona Derby in a fitting manner.

 

1.      Not There Yet: After last weekend’s domination of Atletico Madrid, fans began to wonder if Barca had finally returned to their old days. It is not the case just yet, as shown by Barca’s performance against Espanyol. The absence of Dani Alves was evident, while Frenkie De Jong and Sergio Busquets both had quiet games. Consistency is key, and this young Barcelona side will take some time to achieve the expected consistency. Patience is required.

2.      Adama Traore: The giant Spaniard has made an excellent case for himself since his return to Catalonia, and once again showed his quality against Espanyol. The winger was probably Barca’s best player on the night, causing all sorts of problems on the right wing with his dribbling, ball control and speed. The Spaniard completed a few excellent dribbles into dangerous territory, and had a screaming shot blocked in the first half. He did pick up an assist at the death though, setting up Luuk De Jong’s equalizer.

3.      Luuk De Jong: For all of Barca’s high profile signings in January, it has been Luuk De Jong who has arguable been Barca’s most in-form attacker of late. The Blaugrana once again turned to the Dutchman as they looked for an equalizer, and Espanyol had shut shop. De Jong returned Xavi’s faith, heading in Adama’s cross in late injury time, adding another goal to his recent tally.

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