Five speaking factors from Girona 0-1 Barcelona

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Girona FC v FC Barcelona - LaLiga Santander
Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Photos

It’s one other win for Xavi’s facet

Lewandowski can’t come again quickly sufficient


Barcelona’s win over Girona confirmed but once more that the workforce can win with out prime scorer Robert Lewandowski however there’s little question that he will likely be welcomed again with open arms after finishing his suspension.


Xavi’s facet have secured three 1-0 wins with out Lewandowski within the beginning XI and the final two, in opposition to Girona and Getafe, have been on the ugly facet. But they’ve additionally appeared like the kind of wins you want when you’re going to complete prime of the pile.






Pedri and Ousmane Dembele have scored the targets in Lewandowski’s absence, and the Frenchman’s harm is another excuse why Barcelona will likely be delighted to have the Poland worldwide again subsequent day trip.


Barcelona have struggled to kill video games off all season, notably with out Lewandowski, however with the striker again in motion Xavi will likely be hoping his facet can change into just a little extra medical in entrance of purpose.


Pedri’s trendy century


Pedri was imagined to be placing his ft up in opposition to Girona however was referred to as halfway by the primary half after Dembele was compelled off. The midfielder’s arrival meant he made his a centesimal look for the membership and he’s nonetheless solely 20. Yep, you learn that proper.


It’s a exceptional achievement for a exceptional participant and he went on to crown the second with the one purpose of the sport. Pedri retains on telling us he’s been advised to attain extra and he's beginning to do precisely that.


The midfielder has three in his final 4, six for the season, and the stats present simply how a lot he has improved in entrance of purpose since Xavi took cost of the membership.






“The truth is it was a special game for me,” he advised Barca TV after the match. “Xavi went with a different line-up to start. But we had some bad luck with Dembele’s injury. I hope he gets back quickly. The goal is great, it’s a great way to celebrate the occasion.”


Who will exchange Dembele?

Girona FC v FC Barcelona - LaLiga Santander Photograph by Sergio Carmona/High quality Sport Photos/Getty Photos

Barcelona’s win was overshadowed considerably by Ousmane Dembele’s harm. The Frenchman has been important to the workforce this season however now faces a variety of weeks on the sidelines.


Xavi has choices to exchange the ahead and it will likely be fascinating to see what he does subsequent, notably as Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Raphinha are discovering it troublesome to make a lot of an affect at present.


The Barcelona boss might all the time transfer to 4 midfielders once more. The system has definitely served him effectively already this season and introduced in some spectacular outcomes in opposition to Atletico and Actual Madrid.


Maybe the obvious selection is to belief in Raphinha. The Brazilian is enduring an more and more troublesome first season on the Camp Nou however now has a golden likelihood to indicate what he can do.


Clear sheet rely continues


Barcelona’s clear sheet rely contines to tick upwards with one other one within the bag in opposition to Girona. That’s now 14 from 18 this season in La Liga and nonetheless simply six targets conceded. It truly is one thing else.


Marc-Andre ter Stegen produced one other robust show but in addition wanted Ronald Araujo to make a significant clearance and Girona’s Ivan Martin to overlook a sitter to protect his clear sheet on Saturday.


Barcelona can boast the very best defence in Europe, yep you learn that proper, and it’s the stable basis that the workforce’s title cost is being primarily based on. Sure they've wanted a little bit of luck at occasions however possibly they’ve earned that.


Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen have each been very good signings whereas Eric Garcia additionally got here in from the chilly in opposition to Girona and obtained some reward from Xavi.


“I think Eric García played a great game, especially in the second half,” he stated. “I have a lot of confidence in him. I have said it many times.”


The stats agree with Xavi too. Eric ended the sport with a 92% cross accuracy price, made probably the most tackles and accomplished probably the most passes. There was in all probability additionally a large sigh of aid after he obtained away with just a little grappling match with Stuani within the penalty space that on one other day might have been a penalty.


Jordi Alba’s not accomplished but

Girona v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander Photograph by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Photos

One of many keys to Barcelona’s win was Xavi’s resolution to swap Marcos Alonso for Jordi Alba at half-time. The Catalans had lacked width within the first half and the change definitely paid off as Alba produced the help from which Pedri scored.


Alba’s needed to be affected person this season, after seeing Alonso arrive after which being benched by Alejandro Balde, however he confirmed in opposition to Girona that he does have lots nonetheless to supply Barcelona.


Xavi defined after the match that Ousmane Dembele’s harm noticed him change his recreation plan at half-time and was one of many causes Alba was introduced on for the second 45 minutes.


Balde nonetheless appears Barcelona’s best choice at left-back this season however Alba isn’t accomplished fairly but.

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