Barcelona are one of the formidable groups within the historical past of Spanish soccer. The Blaugrana have snagged 27 La Liga titles through the years, with solely Actual Madrid successful extra at 35. They’ve additionally received a file 31 Copas del Rey and 14 Supercopas de Espana, rising as probably the most dominant group in Spanish cup competitions.
Xavi males kicked off the 2023-24 season as favorites to defend their La Liga crown in addition to keep their stranglehold in Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana. Sadly for Cules, the story has not panned out that means.
Barcelona Below Large Strain After Supercopa De Espana Defeat
The Blaugrana have been beneath par within the La Liga race this season. They’ve solely amassed 41 factors from 19 La Liga matches, slipping to fourth place within the Spanish top-flight standings. Barca are presently sitting eight factors behind league leaders Girona, albeit with a sport in hand. Arch-rivals Actual Madrid, in the meantime, are in second place in La Liga, sitting a degree behind Girona with a sport in hand.
With title hopes dwindling, Barcelona have been anticipated to placed on a memorable present within the Supercopa de Espana. They dispatched Osasuna swiftly within the semi-finals, establishing a mouth-watering conflict with Actual Madrid. A spirited Xavi referred to as on his gamers to dominate their opponents like in final yr’s Supercopa last, through which Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory.
Los Blancos, nevertheless, have been ready for the onslaught and tore Barca aside in counter-attacks. The sport ended 4-1 in favor of the All-Whites, with Vinicius Jr. main the best way with an excellent hat-trick.
Having been completely outclassed within the Spanish Supercup, Barcelona should now divert all their consideration to the Copa del Rey, understanding it’s realistically their solely hope of avoiding a trophyless season.
Unionistas de Salamanca Problem Might Be Difficult For Barca
On paper, Unionistas de Salamanca can’t even dream of taking the battle to one of the formidable groups in Europe. Nevertheless, given Barca’s poor run and the situation of the pitch at Campo de Futbol Reina Sofia, an upset can’t be dominated out within the Copa del Rey Spherical of 16.
In keeping with Spanish outlet Sport (through Soccer-Espana), there was constant rainfall in Salamanca over the previous few days and it’ll proceed till Thursday (January 18). Hermaflor, the corporate that appears after the pitch at Campo de Futbol Reina Sofia, believes the pitch is able to internet hosting the Copa del Rey conflict between Barcelona and Unionistas however has warned that it may be a bit “unstable.” The kind of passing soccer Barca play requires a world-class floor, which means there’s a likelihood the guests may not be capable to plant their greatest foot ahead on Thursday.
With strain mounting on Xavi and Co. to step up and ship, it is going to be fascinating to see if they will handle to deal with the imperfections and are available out swinging on the opposite aspect this week.
