The 1-1 of FC Barcelona at half-time against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey
Dembélé has been a nightmare on the right and Araujo has annulled Sorloth in a high-profile duel
Bucket has perhaps been the most erratic with a couple of actions that could have cost expensive back
No one was kept in the dark Xavi Hernández, aware of the extreme difficulty of face a Real Sociedad on a roll. The Egarense coach recovered the gala eleven that made him win the Spanish Super Cup in Arabia. His first title as coach of the Barça team. Dembélé and Lewandowski up, the four midfielders. Koundé, Araujo, Christensen, Bucket behind. Ter Stegen under sticks.
In front, as we mentioned, a group from Gipuzkoa that comes from adding nine victories in a row and that wants to storm the Camp Nou after more than 30 years without doing so. Those led by Imanol Alguacil are having a great season, playing flashy football. That is why the Terrassa coach wants to populate the midfield more, to counteract what is the strong point of the Basque team.
These are the SPORT notes:
6
Ter Stegen, goalkeeper
saved
The crossbar did a ‘favor’ to the German on the only dangerous occasion that they generated. From there, well giving speed to the game from behind and little work.
6
Koundé, defense
contents
Correct delivery and reliable, as always, in defensive tasks. Not so much when it comes to lavishing himself in attack, although he is in charge of closing more and giving Balde free rein to the other side.
8
Ronald Araujo, defender
Imposing
He has nullified Sorloth completely. He has embittered the first half. Bodying, using the defensive manual. Nice duel without a doubt the one they are having. Imperial, he’s sorely missed when he’s not around.
7
Andreas Christensen, defender
Expeditious
Another impeccable first half from the Dane. He continues at a very high level and, above all, with enormous regularity. So it will be impossible for anyone to get him out of there. He has starred in a tremendous tour up.
5
Alejandro Balde, defender
erratic
The one who has been most out of tune on the defensive line. He hasn’t had the first half of it. Especially in five fateful minutes in which he has had a serious loss and has cleared back and almost gave away a goal.
6
Sergio Busquets, midfielder
demanded
Good for the clash and above in a battle in the high tension midfield. The one from Badia has suffered especially at the beginning with some transitions from the real one, but well in general.
7
Frenkie de Jong, midfielder
unfolded
From more to less Dutch. It has started very well, coming by surprise from the second row. He has had the 1-0 in his boots after a great assist from Dembélé. Maybe he has dropped a little, like the team in general, the last 10′. He is in very good shape.
6
Gavi, midfielder
Dark
Probably one of those who has shone the least at Barça. Labor of work, of breaking stone, of going to the divided ones. He doesn’t mind putting on work overalls and perhaps giving up contributing more probably above.
7
Pedro, midfielder
enjoy
He has a great time. Tonight in particular, a lot. Fantasy play inside the area caracoleando that almost ends in a goal. Creating, imagining. It’s nice to see it.
8
Dembele, striker
Nightmare
A real dagger on the right side. He has done what he wanted with Diego Rico. Exquisite controls, first class heels. Recital of the Frenchman, who has given several assists that have not ended in a miracle goal.
6
Robert Lewandowski, forward
Unlucky
He has had two quite clear ones, but he has not been fine defining. Well, one is taken out by De Jong with his back (he ends up inside, but offside). He has loosed a couple of dangerous slaps.