Xavi says Barca don’t deserve to play in Champions League

Published

2 years ago

October 13, 2022

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Barcelona’s Champions League knockout hopes are hanging by a thread as they could only manage a 3-3 draw to Inter Milan at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Barça played a great first half and took the lead at halftime, but an insane second half ended with a six-goal draw that leaves Inter just one win away from qualification to the Round of 16.

Barça are technically still alive, but this result means they will most likely, move to the Europa League for a second straight season.

Xavi Hernández made a controversial team selection, but his tactical setup quickly justfied his personnel choices.

Barça came out in a 3-4-3 formation with Marcos Alonso as a center-back, Sergi Roberto playing in midfield and Raphinha in his best position on the right wing.

Raphinha won the ball from Dimarco near the corner flag and found Sergi Roberto inside the box with a great pass, and Roberto found Dembélé for a tap-in and the Blaugrana’s opening goal.

Five second-half goals saw the contest swing from end to end at the Camp Nou.

Despite Lewandowski’s two goals, the Catalans are on the verge of Champions League group stage elimination for the second season in a row.

Inter rallied superbly after the restart, with goals from Nicolo Barella, former Barcelona transfer target Lautaro Martinez and Robin Gosens.

Poor show by Barca veterans

Xavi opted to stick with Gerard Pique in central defence, with skipper Sergio Busquets anchoring the midfield, on the night.

Pique was caught out by Nicolo Barella for Inter’s first equaliser, with Busquets too slow in possession in the build up to Lautaro Martinez’s goal.

The duo appear to be entering their final days as Barcelona players.

“We should have kept up the pace, the intensity of the first half and we didn’t,” a disappointed Xavi said.

“We don’t depend on ourselves and the Champions League is very complicated.”

“Football is a game of mistakes and we have to minimize them. In Munich it was effectiveness, in Milan other circumstances and tonight it was defensive mistakes.”

“If you don’t beat Inter at home, you don’t deserve to stay in this competition.

“Last season we didn’t have enough to compete, but this season we did. This time it was our mistakes.”

Xavi added: “I’m very disappointed, sad, frustrated… I’m angry. I have to be self-critical, we don’t deserve to play in the Champions League. It hurts me, but it’s the truth.”

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Eric, Piqué, Alonso (Balde 72’); Roberto (Kessie 72’), Busquets (De Jong 64’), Gavi (Ferran 84’); Pedri; Raphinha (Ansu Fati 64’), Lewandowski, Dembélé

Goals: Dembélé (40’), Lewandowski (82’, 90+2’)

Inter Milan: Onana; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni (Acerbi 85’); Dumfries, Barella (Asllani 85’), Çalhanoglu (Gosens 76’), Mkhitaryan, Dimarco (Darmian 66’); Lautaro, Dzeko (Bellanova 76’)

Goals: Barella (50’), Lautaro (63’), Gosens (89’)

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.