The match: 0-0
New setback for Barça. In a meeting poor in play and opportunities, Barcelona and Basques were unable to decide between themselves (0-0), Sunday, as part of the 27th day of La Liga. Despite a good start to the match, the Catalans lost control and struggled to be dangerous throughout the match.
Their only opportunity during the first act came from the nerve of João Cancelo – one of the only Barcelonans in the spotlight with Ilkay Gündogan – who attempted a lob 50 meters from the opposing cage, but Unaï Simon then Yerai, twice, knew how to come back in time. In the second half, neither the activity of Lamine Yamal, who came in place of Pedri, nor the numerous tactical changes initiated by Xavi allowed the Barça players to find the solution, sometimes giving the impression of looking more for the penalty as the opening score.
Athletic, also harmless, seemed satisfied with this goalless draw, but they could have played a nasty trick on the Catalans at the very end of the match if Dani Garcia, alone at the far post, had aimed his header from a corner (90+ 2nd).
The fact: Frankie De Jong and Pedri out with injuries
The first period was marked by the premature exits of Frankie De Jong (26th) and Pedri (45th) due to injury. The Dutchman, who landed badly on his right ankle after an aerial duel, was replaced by Fermin Lopez, after finding that he could not support himself correctly on his foot. Pedri, for his part, left his partners in tears, appearing to be injured in one thigh after a restart. Two huge blows for Barça, nine days before receiving Naples in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League.
26
FC Barcelona remained in 26 matches with at least one goal scored in La Liga. We have to go back to the first day against Getafe (0-0) to find Barça silent.